Visualization of Three-Dimensional Nephron Structure With Microcomputed Tomography

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2007 · Anatomical Record

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.20422· OSTI ID:930372

Bentley, M; Jorgensen, S; Lerman, L; Ritman, E; Romero, J

The three-dimensional architecture of nephrons in situ and their interrelationship with other nephrons are difficult to visualize by microscopic methods. The present study uses microcomputed X-ray tomography (micro-CT) to visualize intact nephrons in situ. Rat kidneys were perfusion-fixed with buffered formalin and their vasculature was subsequently perfused with radiopaque silicone. Cortical tissue was stained en bloc with osmium tetroxide, embedded in plastic, scanned, and reconstructed at voxel resolutions of 6, 2, and 1 {mu}m. At 6 {mu}m resolution, large blood vessels and glomeruli could be visualized but nephrons and their lumens were small and difficult to visualize. Optimal images were obtained using a synchrotron radiation source at 2 {mu}m resolution where nephron components could be identified, correlated with histological sections, and traced. Proximal tubules had large diameters and opaque walls, whereas distal tubules, connecting tubules, and collecting ducts had smaller diameters and less opaque walls. Blood vessels could be distinguished from nephrons by the luminal presence of radiopaque silicone. Proximal tubules were three times longer than distal tubules. Proximal and distal tubules were tightly coiled in the outer cortex but were loosely coiled in the middle and inner cortex. The connecting tubules had the narrowest diameters of the tubules and converged to form arcades that paralleled the radial vessels as they extended to the outer cortex. These results illustrate a potential use of micro-CT to obtain three-dimensional information about nephron architecture and nephron interrelationships, which could be useful in evaluating experimental tubular hypertrophy, atrophy, and necrosis.

• Research Organization: Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) National Synchrotron Light Source
• Sponsoring Organization: Doe - Office Of Science
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-98CH10886
• OSTI ID: 930372
• Report Number(s): BNL--81093-2008-JA
• Journal Information: Anatomical Record, Journal Name: Anatomical Record Vol. 290; ISSN 0003-276X; ISSN ANREAK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS
ATROPHY
BLOOD VESSELS
DUCTS
FORMALDEHYDE
GLOMERULI
HYPERTROPHY
KIDNEYS
NECROSIS
OSMIUM
PHENOBARBITAL
RATS
RESOLUTION
SYNCHROTRON RADIATION SOURCES
TOMOGRAPHY
TUBULES
national synchrotron light source