Genetic factor(s) influence scar formation in experimental pyelonephritis.

Two inbred strains of rat have been identified that show markedly different responses to experimentally induced renal infection. Experiments involving these two strains and their F1 progeny have shown that a genetic factor either protects the host from a tissue-destructive inflammatory response (autosomal dominant gene) or potentiates lesion formation (autosomal recessive gene). The data are the first indication that genetic factors may determine the degree of renal damage in pyelonephritis.