Distribution and Form of Uranium-Containing Deposits in Chickens Treated with Uranyl Nitrate

Abstract

The kidneys of chicks treated with uranyl nitrate were examined by electron microscopy. Most deposits of electron-dense material containing uranium were found in the lumina of distal tubules and collecting ducts of kidneys collected 12–24 hours post-treatment. Some deposits were present in extracellular spaces between adjacent cells. Only occasionally were deposits found intracellularly where they were associated with localized cellular degeneration. A generalized cellular degeneration over the whole kidney was seen 72–96 hours post-treatment, but this was not directly associated with the deposits of electron-dense material.