Kidney non-tumor - Lead nephropathy

Home Chapter Home Jobs Conferences Fellowships Books

Kidney non-tumor

Tubular and interstitial diseases

Lead nephropathy

Reviewers: Nikhil Sangle, M.D. (see Reviewers page)
Revised: 25 December 2012, last major update March 2012
Copyright: (c) 2003-2012, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.

General
=========================================================================

● Kidney is main route for lead removal from body; lead is absorbed by proximal tubular cells, binds to specific proteins; with acute lead nephrotoxicity in dose-response relationship (Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi 2010;28:170), these lead-protein complexes are seen as intracellular inclusions (eMedicine)
● Due to occupational (electric storage battery makers, foundrymen, jewelers, painters, welders, ) or environmental causes (children eating lead pain, water in lead pipe systems, lead earthenware, moonshine liquor)
● Lead exposure damages central and peripheral nervous system, GI tract and kidney

Micro description
=========================================================================

● Tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis
● Tubular inclusions are eosinophilic and intranuclear or cytoplasmic, acid-fast and red with Giemsa stain
● Arteriolar disease similar to nephrosclerosis
● Tubules disappear in chronic disease; no inflammation

Micro images
=========================================================================

Nonspecific tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis, absence of interstitial infiltrate

Lead inclusions in nucleus of tubular cells

Electron microscopy description
=========================================================================

● Inclusions are lead-protein complex that appear as compact cores surrounded by loose meshwork of fibrils

End of Kidney non-tumor > Tubular and interstitial diseases > Lead nephropathy

Ref Updated: 8/17/12

This information is intended for physicians and related personnel, who understand that medical information is often imperfect, and must be interpreted in the context of a patient's clinical data using reasonable medical judgment. This website should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a licensed physician.

All information on this website is protected by copyright of PathologyOutlines.com, Inc. Information from third parties may also be protected by copyright. Please contact us at copyrightPathOut@gmail.com with any questions (click here for other contact information).