Morphofunctional Features of the Kidney of Small Mammals Occurring in the Norilsk-Pyasino Ecosystem

The goal of the study was to conduct histological and morphometric examination on kidney tissue in small mammals inhabiting the Norilsk-Pyasino ecosystem. Three locations were identified at different distances from the industrial facilities of the Norilsk mining-metallurgic complex (and smelting company). Thirteen mammals were captured from three sites, including 10 males and 3 females. Kidney tissues of wild mouse-like rodents (Myomorpha) were examined by histological and morphometric methods. Hematoxylin-eosin was used for staining the histological sections of the kidneys. The following morphometric parameters were determined in the kidney histological section: (1) percentage of non-sclerotic renal glomeruli (%); (2) percentage of sclerotic glomeruli (%); (3) total area of glomeruli (μm2); and (4) total area of the capillary network of the renal glomeruli (μm2). The database was created in Microsoft Excel. Statistical processing was carried out using a Statistika 10.0 program. Reliable data was obtained suggesting structural pathomorphological changes in the kidney tissues of mouse-like rodents inhabiting the studied areas. During the study, a pattern was revealed; in that, the closer the habitat area is to industrial enterprises, the higher the percentage of sclerotic glomeruli against a background of a low number of the functioning nephrons. The identified pathological disorders led to the development of renal failure in organs with varying degrees of severity, resulting in reversible (dystrophic) and irreversible (necrotic) changes depending on habitat of the animals. The specificity of the changes in the kidneys of the animals may be the result of the action of exogenous intoxications (poisoning) in the habitat areas.