Long-term effects of total-body irradiation on the kidney of Rhesus monkeys

Purpose : To investigate the long-term effects of total-body irradiation (TBI) on kidneys in non-human primates. Methods and materials : The kidneys of Rhesus monkeys were histologically examined at 6–8 years after TBI with low single doses of 4.5–8.5 Gy or two fractions of 5.4 Gy. The kidneys of age-matched non-irradiated monkeys served as controls. Irradiation was performed on adult monkeys aged about 3 years; 6–8 years later animals were sacrificed and the kidneys removed and processed for histology. A semi-quantitative scoring system was used to evaluate overall histological damage. Glomerular changes were also morphometrically analysed according to previously published criteria. In selected dose groups (pro)thrombotic and inflammatory changes were investigated by immunostaining cryosections with antibodies against von Willebrand factor (vWF), leukocytes and macrophages. Results : Histological changes were generally mild and only seen in kidneys irradiated with doses higher than 7 Gy. Glomerular chang...