ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Glomerulus
;
Human and rat kidney
;
Cell junctions
;
Filtration barrier
;
Electron microscopy
;
Freeze-fracturing
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Glomeruli isolated from rat and human kidneys were studied using the freeze fracture technique. Discontinuous zonulae occludentes and gap junctions were found in the replicas of the split plasma membrane of the endothelial cells. A diaphragm across the endothelial pores was not demonstrated. The central layer of the basement membrane, corresponding to the lamina densa described in thin sections, revealed a coarse substructure. A slit membrane between the pedicles of the podocytes was not detectable; however, its position was indicated by the different texture of the replica, which abruptly changed at the transition of the basement membrane to the primary urinary space. Furthermore, at the level of the slit membrane arrays of particles were present within the cleaved membrane of the pedicles, probably representing the attachment points of the slit membrane. Isolated strands of a zonula occludens as well as gap junctions were seen on the split plasma membrane of the podocytes. The mesangial cells could be identified by their contiguity to the endothelial cells and by their numerous gap junctions.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00220576
Permalink
