Inhibition of cell proliferation in renal failure and its significance to the uraemic syndrome: a review.

The effect of acute and chronic renal failure on cell proliferation in rapidly dividing tissues has been examined in man and animal models. The evidence reviewed supports the hypothesis that renal failure results in a general inhibition of cell proliferation. Cell population kinetic studies of gastrointestinal and skin epithelia in experimental acute renal failure show a prolongation of the cell generation cycle. Less detailed investigations of other proliferative cell systems indicate an inhibitory effect on proliferation within the generative compartment of the erythroid series, lymphoid tissue, seminiferous epithelia and wound granulation tissue. This inhibition appears partly responsible for anaemia and impaired wound healing and may contribute to the abnormal immune responses, gastrointestinal tract lesions and male sterility found in renal failure.