On the inflammatory diseases of the kidney / [Sir George Johnson].

  • George Johnson
Date:
[1847]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the inflammatory diseases of the kidney / [Sir George Johnson]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    fact that in some cases the cysts, which are supposed to be dilated tubes, are also found filled with the same mateiial. In two cases I have found a cyst as large as a hazel-nut quite full of oil, presenting all the characters of that seen in the tubes which, have lost their epithelium in consequence of chronic inflammation. The evidence, then, of the simple serous cysts being dilated tubes is the following:—1st. The tubes are often seen much dilated and thickened. 2nd. As the inner surface of the tubes has the appearance of being endowed with the power of secreting water, so the cysts usually contain a simple serous fluid. 3rd. As an accumulation of oil occasionally occurs in the tubes, so the cysts are in some instances filled with the same material. 4tli. There is no reason to suppose that these cysts have any other origin. It appears probable that the Malpighian bodies could not become dilated into cysts, be¬ cause an accumulation of liquid within the Malpighian cap¬ sule would necessarily compress and obliterate the vessels of the Malpighian tuft, and so would cut off the further supply of fluid.* Another change consequent upon the destruction of the cells which line the urinary tubes is, a diminished supply of blood and a gradual wasting of the tube. I have already shown that there must be a close connection between an increased development of epithelial cells and an increased afflux of blood to the part. This is well seen in a case of acute desquamative nephritis, and, vice versa, a more or less complete destruction of the epithelial cells will be attended by a corresponding diminished afflux of blood and a conse¬ quent atrophy of the part affected. In every kidney which has been the subject of chronic inflammation, there may be seen tubes contracted in different degrees as a consequence of * Additional evidence as to the nature of these cysts, and their relation to the normal tissues of the kidney, is afforded by some remarkable pre¬ parations of diseased kidney in the Pathological Museum of King’s Col- lege. See the Author’s Catalogue of the Museum, Nos. 871, 872, 873, 874, and 875.
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