Peritubular fibrosis

Histopathological evidence of renal damage has been observed in lead-exposed workers. Renal ultrastructure and function were examined in five men with heavy occupational exposure to lead (Cramer et al. 1974). In addition, renal function was evaluated in two men from whom renal biopsies were not obtained. PbB levels ranged from 71 to 138 pg/dL. Renal function tests were normal in all except for a reduced glomerular filtration rate in one worker. Two subjects with relatively short exposure to lead (6 weeks and 8 months) and PbB levels of 89-129 pg/dL had intranuclear inclusions in the proximal tubules. Renal biopsies from workers with longer periods of lead exposure (4-20 years, PbB levels of 71-138 pg/dL) had diffuse interstitial or peritubular fibrosis. Glomeruli were normal in all subjects. 

When hexachloroethane was given in the diet for 16 weeks, male rats showed a dose-related increase in tubular hypertrophy, dilation, atrophy, peritubular fibrosis, and tubular degeneration (Gorzinski et al. 1985). 

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