Capillary endothelium. Target site of renal radiation injury.

Abstract

It is concluded that endothelial cell injury represents the primary site of radiation damage in the kidney and that the progressive glomerular mesangial sclerosis and reduced renal function of radiation nephropathy may be associated with exposure of capillary elements to various vasoactive and growth promoting factors that stimulate mesangial contraction and proliferation resulting in reduced glomerular filtration area and glomerular filtration rate.