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W Kriz

Publications and source records attributed to W Kriz.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Role of mesangial cell contraction in adaptation of the glomerular tuft to changes in extracellular volume.

Different chronic states of mesangial cell contraction were induced by variation of extracellular volume in Munich-Wistar rats for 6 days to study the influence of mesangial cells on the geometry of the glomerular tuft. Stereological analysis of superficial glomeruli in volume-expanded rats (VE, treated with enalapril) and volume-reduced rats (VR, treated with indomethacin) revealed a glomerular tuft volume 28.7% smaller, and a capillary luminal volume 32% smaller in VR than in VE rats. The filtration area [defined as glomerular basement membrane (GBM) area facing fenestrated endothelium] was greatly reduced in VR rats (97 +/- 16 X 10(3) micron 2 vs 137 +/- 13 x 10(3) micron 2). The surface density (Sv) of the GBM was higher by approximately 10% in VR rats primarily due to the considerable increase in Sv of the perimesangial GBM subdivision (0.189 +/- 0.01 micron 2/micron 3 vs 0.153 +/- 0.01 micron 2/micron 3), indicating a higher degree of mesangial cell contraction in these animals. Our results suggest (1) that mesangial cell contraction plays a major role in the adaptation of the glomerular tuft to variations in extracellular volume; (2) that the relevance of mesangial cell contraction for the regulation of glomerular haemodynamics appears to be small; and (3) that the reduction in filtration area, although prominent, cannot fully account for the considerable decreases in the ultrafiltration coefficient observed by others in acute and chronic studies.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1990

Mesangial cell-glomerular basement membrane connections counteract glomerular capillary and mesangium expansion.

Glomerular capillaries are perfused at a high hydraulic pressure. Since the capillary mesangium interface presents no morphologically apparent pressure barrier, it is suggested that the hydraulic pressure in the mesangium may also be high. This paper analyzes the structures in the glomerular tuft that are capable of counteracting the distending forces exerted on the tuft by the high hydraulic pressure in its center. The skeletal element of the glomerular tuft is the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). The combination of the GBM with the contractile apparatus of mesangial cells represents the main system stabilizing the glomerular tuft. The mesangial cell-GBM connections counteracting the expansion of glomerular capillaries appear less susceptible to injury than those counteracting mesangial expansion.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Structure of the glomerular mesangium: a biomechanical interpretation.

This paper summarizes our current knowledge of the structural details and probable functional significance of the system of contractile filaments in the glomerular mesangium. The description is based mainly on studies of superficial glomeruli of the rat kidney. The contractile apparatus of mesangial cells consists of microfilament bundles located predominantly within mesangial cell processes. The thickest microfilament bundles occur in the juxtacapillary mesangial cell processes, which directly abut the glomerular capillaries. The effector structure of mesangial cell contractility is the GBM. Mesangial cell processes are connected to the GBM either directly or through the interposition of extracellular microfibrils. In general, the contractile system of the mesangium interconnects opposing parts of the GBM. This arrangement is particularly obvious in the juxtacapillary processes, which underlie a mechanical connection between the GBM at the two opposing mesangial angles of a single capillary. The geometry and structural composition of the contractile apparatus of the mesangium indeed suggest a static rather than a dynamic function. In conjunction with the GBM, the mesangial contractile apparatus seems capable of supporting sufficient wall tension to counteract the distending forces acting across the capillary walls; the apparatus also seems capable of directly balancing the distending forces on the perimesangial walls. Assuming that mesangial cells are capable of isotonic contractions, the effect of such a contraction on capillary diameter and, consequently, on filtration area would be small.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗
PubMed1990

Ultrastructural organization of contractile proteins in rat glomerular mesangial cells.

Glomerular mesangial cells of the rat kidney contain actin, nonmuscle myosin, tropomyosin, and the muscular Z-line protein, alpha-actinin. This was shown for actin, myosin, and alpha-actinin by immunoblotting as well as by immunoelectron microscopy. Tropomyosin was localized in mesangial cells by immunofluorescence. In cultured mesangial cells, actin, myosin, and alpha-actinin constitute a considerable amount of the total cellular protein contents. In mesangial cells in situ actin, myosin and alpha-actinin were found to be colocalized within conspicuous microfilament bundles that traverse the cell body or major processes in various directions and project into either the tonguelike pericapillary processes, which run toward mesangial angles, or into the microvilluslike lateral extensions that abut on the perimesangial portion of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). Thereby, the GBM of opposing mesangial angles as well as of opposing portions of the perimesangial GBM are regularly interconnected by filament bundles within mesangial cells that contain actin, myosin, and alpha-actinin. The authors suggest that the major function of actin-, myosin-, and alpha-actinin-containing filament bundles in mesangial cells is to create an isometric tension (or minute isotonic contractions) to counteract the distending forces of the rather high intracapillary hydraulic pressure and its resulting pressure gradients across the capillary wall and across the perimesangial GBM.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Vascular congestion in ischemic renal failure: the role of cell swelling.

Experiments were performed on rats to examine the cause of the vascular congestion that accompanies renal ischemia, and the potential role of cell swelling in its generation. Renal function and gross morphology were examined after reflow, whereas tissue morphometry was performed both before and after reflow in kidneys. Small doses of mannitol applied into the renal artery just before ischemia greatly reduced the incidence of vascular congestion and the depression of renal function. During ischemia the outwardly directed swelling of the proximal tubule depleted the interstitial and vascular space of the cortex and outer medullary outer stripe and the inwardly directed swelling of the thick ascending limb occluded the lumen. Mannitol reduced cell swelling, lessened the depletion of the interstitial and vascular space and eliminated the occlusion of the thick ascending limb. It is proposed that the loss of interstitial and vascular fluid during ischemia is the cause of the vascular congestion, which, in turn, is responsible for the poor perfusion and impaired renal function seen after ischemia.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1988

Ultrastructure of the kidney of a South American caecilian, Typhlonectes compressicaudus (Amphibia, Gymnophiona). I. Renal corpuscle, neck segment, proximal tubule and intermediate segment.

The ultrastructure of the renal corpuscle, the neck segment, the proximal tubule and the intermediate segment of the kidney of a South American caecilian, Typhlonectes compressicaudus (Amphibia, Gymnophiona) was examined by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and freeze-fracture technique. The glomerular filter apparatus consists of the podocyte epithelium, a distinct basement membrane, a subendothelial space and the capillary endothelium. Emanating from the podocyte cell body, several long primary processes encircle neighboring capillaries. The short slender foot processes originating from the primary processes interdigitate with those from other primary processes, thereby forming the meandering filtration slit. Thick bundles of microfilaments are found in the primary processes, but absent in the foot processes. The basement membrane consists of a lamina rara externa and a rather thin lamina densa (50 nm thickness). The wide subendothelial space contains abundant microfibrils, a few collagen fibrils and many thin processes of mesangial cells. The endothelium is flat and fenestrated (compared to mammals displaying relatively few fenestrations); some of the fenestrations are bridged by a diaphragm. The glomerular mesangium is made up of the mesangial cells and a prominent mesangial matrix containing microfibrils and collagen fibrils. The cells of the neck and intermediate segments display numerous cilia with their microtubules arranged in the typical 9 + 2 pattern. The basal bodies of the cilia are attached to thick filaments with a clear crossbanding pattern of 65 nm periodicity. The proximal tubule is composed of cells typical for this segment (PT cells) and light cells lacking a brush border (bald-headed cells). The PT cells measure 10-25 micron in height and 15-30 micron in width and do not interdigitate at their lateral borders with each other. Their basolateral cell membrane is amplified by many folds projecting into lateral intercellular spaces and into basal recesses. The brush border is scarce and composed of loosely arranged short microvilli.

Amphibians↗
PubMed1988

Ultrastructure of the kidney of a South American caecilian, Typhlonectes compressicaudus (Amphibia, Gymnophiona). II. Distal tubule, connecting tubule, collecting duct and Wolffian duct.

The ultrastructure of the distal nephron, the collecting duct and the Wolffian duct was studied in a South American caecilian, Typhlonectes compressicaudus (Amphibia, Gymnophiona) by transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM, SEM). The distal tubule (DT) is made up of one type of cell that has a well-developed membrane labyrinth established both by interdigitating processes and by interlocking ramifications. The processes contain large mitochondria, the ramifications do not. The tight junction is shallow and elongated by a meandering course. The connecting tubule (CNT) is composed of CNT cells proper and intercalated cells, both of which are cuboidal in shape. The CNT cells are characterized by many lateral interlocking folds. The intercalated cells have a dark cytoplasm densely filled with mitochondria. Their apical cell membrane is typically amplified by microplicae beneath which a layer of globular particles (studs) is found. The collecting duct (CD) is composed of principal cells and intercalated cells, again both cuboidal in shape. The CD epithelium is characterized by dilated intercellular spaces, which are often filled with lateral microfolds projecting from adjacent principal cells. The apical membrane is covered by a prominent glycocalyx. The intercalated cells in the CD are similar to those in the CNT. The Wolffian duct (WD) has a tall pseudostratified epithelium established by WD cells proper, intercalated cells and basal cells. The WD cells contain irregular-shaped dense granules located beneath the apical cell membrane. The intercalated cells of the WD have a dark cytoplasm with many mitochondria; their nuclei display a dense chromatin pattern.

Amphibians↗
PubMed1988

Microfibrils are a major component of the mesangial matrix in the glomerulus of the rat kidney.

The mesangial matrix of the rat glomerulus was studied by transmission electron microscopy in specimens preserved by a modified technique, which avoids osmium tetroxide but uses tannic acid as a contrasting agent. It can be demonstrated that microfibrils are a major component of the normal glomerular mesangial matrix. They are non-branching tubular structures with a hollow centre, an undefined length and a thickness of approximately 15 nm. Microfibrils make up a dense fibrillar network interconnecting mesangial cells and glomerular basement membrane.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

The ultrastructural organization of the basement membrane of Bowman's capsule in the rat renal corpuscle.

The basement membrane of Bowman's capsule (BCBM) of the rat was studied by means of a modified tissue-preservation technique for transmission electron microscopy, which avoids the usual thorough fixation in OsO4 and applies tannic acid and uranyl acetate for staining (Sakai et al. 1986). At most sites the BCBM is multilayered, consisting of one to seven dense layers separated by electron-lucent layers. The latter, which can be termed laminae rarae, contain fine filaments which connect the dense layers to each other and the innermost dense layer to the basal cell membrane of the parietal epithelium. The laminae densae are basically composed of fine filaments arranged in an anastomosing pattern. Individual filaments ranging from 5 to 15 nm in diameter, combine to form filament bundles up to 100 nm in thickness and 1 to 2 micron in length. Within a dense layer, filaments and filamentous bundles are oriented mainly in the same direction. Often the inner dense layers do not form a continuous sheet, and the filamentous bundles are arranged in anastomosing or spiral patterns to form a ribbon-like structure that we call a "microligament". These microligaments are often embedded in basal furrows of the parietal epithelium and are best developed around the vascular pole. Intracellular actin bundles of the parietal cells are regularly associated with these extracellular ribbon-like structures of the basement membrane. In conclusion, the BCBM has an unusual structure: the laminae densae are characterized by their filamentous nature and are arranged in different patterns, i.e. as a multilayered mat and as microligaments.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

The luminal aspect of intrarenal arteries and veins in the rat as revealed by scanning electron microscopy.

The luminal aspect of intrarenal arteries and veins in the rat has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The endothelium of the intrarenal arteries consists of spindle-shaped cells and forms longitudinally running ridges which correlate with the folding pattern of the underlying internal elastic lamina. Intraarterial "cushions" were found at the origins of afferent arterioles from arcuate arteries and along the entire course of interlobular arteries. The intrarenal veins are made up of a thin, extensively fenestrated epithelium equal to that of peritubular capillaries. The outer aspect of the endothelium contacts adjacent tubules as closely as the capillaries proper. Thereby, the luminal aspect of the veins exhibits a striking "tubule relief" created by the underlying tubules. This wall structure of the intrarenal veins suggest that diameter and shape of the veins are probably highly dependent on the surrounding interstitial pressure.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Adaptation of the rat kidney to altered water intake and urine concentration.

Previous experiments in Brattleboro rats with hereditary diabetes insipidus revealed that absence of ADH led to several alterations in kidney anatomy, which could be reversed by chronic ADH treatment. Present experiments were undertaken to determine if similar alterations were observable in normal Wistar rats when endogenous ADH level was varied by manipulating water intake or when exogenous ADH was infused. Water intake was increased by giving food with a high water content ad libitum and offering 5% glucose solution to drink (HWI rats), or decreased by reducing water intake to 1/3 of spontaneous intake (RWI rats). An additional group received chronic ADH infusion with Alzet osmotic minipumps (ADH rats). Results were compared to those obtained in control rats (CON) drinking ad libitum. RWI, CON, and ADH rats ate dry pellets ad libitum. After 6 weeks on these regimens kidneys were perfusion fixed and serial sections were cut for morphometric measurements by light microscopy. Results in the four groups showed that kidney weight relative to body weight was influenced by the operation of urinary concentrating mechanism, with HWI less than CON less than RWI less than ADH. The increase in kidney weight in rats with high urine concentration was not homogeneously distributed throughout the different kidney zones and the different nephron segments. The inner stripe of the outer medulla (IS) increased more in relative height and volume than other kidney zones and, within this zone, the volume of epithelium of thick ascending limb of Henle's loops (TAL) increased more than expected from the whole kidney weight increase. In outer stripe of outer medulla (OS) and in cortex (C), TAL hypertrophy was equal to or lower than expected from whole kidney weight increase. Collecting duct epithelium in C, OS, and IS increased in proportion to whole kidney weight. The MTAL hypertrophy in IS was due to an increase in size of preexisting cells, except in the ADH group where an increase in cell number was also observed. Internephron heterogeneity with regard to glomerular size was greater in RWI and ADH than in CON and HWI rats. The marked hypertrophy of the deep TAL in the IS of rats in which urine concentration was stimulated could be related to an increase in salt transport in this nephron segment, triggered both by a direct stimulation by ADH, and by an increased salt recycling. The elongation of the inner stripe provides a greater length for the operation of the countercurrent multiplier system responsible for building up of the osmotic pressure gradient in the medulla.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Renal disease and the development of hypertension in salt-sensitive Dahl rats.

To elucidate the role of the kidneys in the development of hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive (S), as compared to resistant (R) rats of the JR strain, we analyzed functional and morphological changes before and after the administration of an 8% NaCl diet and the onset of hypertension. The diet was begun at six weeks of age and was continued until 12 weeks of age. At six weeks, blood pressure was not different between S and R rats. Hypertension occurred in S rats receiving the 8% NaCl diet at week 8, and in S rats receiving 0.9% NaCl at week 10. Albuminuria and proteinuria were found in S rats prior to the 8% NaCl diet and progressed regardless of diet. Electron microscopy of glomeruli revealed segmental loss of epithelial foot processes in S rats at six weeks prior to the 8% NaCl diet. Mesangial widening, arteriolar myo-intimal cell hyperplasia and interstitial fibrosis occurred in all S rats. Inulin and PAH clearances in S rats decreased with time, the changes being accelerated by the 8% NaCl diet. Micropuncture of S and R rats prior to the 8% NaCl diet revealed no glomerular hypertension in S rats. The number of glomeruli in S and R rats were not different. We conclude that prehypertensive S rats of the JR strain already have albuminuric glomerular disease not associated with reduced number of glomeruli or glomerular hypertension. The renal pathology is accelerated once hypertension develops. A lower NaCl intake delays, but does not prevent renal disease in S rats.

Albuminuria↗
PubMed1988

Role of the urinary concentrating process in the renal effects of high protein intake.

High protein diet is known to increase glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and induce kidney hypertrophy. The mechanisms underlying these changes are not understood. Since the mammalian kidney comprises different nephron segments located in well-delineated zones, it is conceivable that the hypertrophy does not affect all kidney zones and all nephron segments uniformly. The present experiments were designed to study the chronic effects of high or low isocaloric protein diets (HP = 32% or LP = 10% casein, respectively) on kidney function and morphology in Sprague-Dawley rats. HP diet induced significant increases in kidney mass, GFR, free water clearance, and maximum urine concentrating ability. Kidney hypertrophy was characterized by: 1. a preferential increase in thickness of the inner stripe of the outer medulla (IS) (+54%, P less than 0.001, while total kidney height, from cortex to papillary tip, increased only by 18%); 2. a marked hypertrophy of the thick ascending limbs (TAL) in the inner stripe (+40% epithelium volume/unit tubular length, P less than 0.05) but not in the outer stripe nor in the cortex; 3. an increase in heterogeneity of glomeruli between superficial (S) and deep (D) nephrons (D/S = 1.47 in HP vs. 1.17 in LP, P less than 0.05). In contrast, normal kidney growth with age and kidney hypertrophy induced by uninephrectomy were not accompanied by preferential enlargement of IS structures. The morphologic changes induced by high protein intake parallel those we previously reported in rats fed a normal diet (25% protein) but in which the operation of the urine concentrating mechanism was chronically stimulated by ADH infusion or by reduction in water intake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Outflow segment of the efferent arteriole of the rat glomerulus investigated by in vivo and electron microscopy.

In previous intravital microscopic studies of the hydronephrotic split kidney a narrow segment in the efferent arteriole at its origin from the glomerulus was observed. In the present study in vivo techniques were combined with transmission electron microscopy of thin sections to investigate the structural basis for the luminal narrowing. At the point where the efferent arteriole leaves Bowman's capsule prominent endothelial cells were found to bulge into the lumen of the vessel. These cells participate in the overall narrowing of the lumen at this site and appear to be responsible for the in vivo picture. However, the principal basis for the narrowing seems to be an extrinsic constriction of the vessel, possibly by extraglomerular mesangial cells located at the exit level. It is suggested that the outflow portion of the efferent arteriole may be an important site of control of glomerular blood flow.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

The current potential of plastination.

This review surveys the potential of plastination, a technique of tissue preservation introduced eight years ago. In this process, water and lipids in biological tissues are replaced by curable polymer which are subsequently hardened, resulting in dry, odorless and durable specimens. The procedure consists of the following steps - fixation, dehydration, forced impregnation in a vacuum, and hardening. The properties of the finished specimen are determined by the class of polymer used. Silicone yields flexible, resilient specimens, allows the broadest range of application, and provides satisfactory results with minimum equipment. Specimens plastinated with an epoxy-silicone copolymer are rigid enough to be polished, but are not unbreakable. This resin is used for thick, opaque body slices and showcase specimens. Epoxy resins are used for thin (2.5 mm), transparent body or organ slices. They are cast between polyester foils or glass plates and can be used for histological investigations. Polyester resin is used for the production of opaque brain slices, which gives excellent differentiation between grey and white matter. The application of plastination in research and the production of teaching specimens is discussed with special regard to the equipment required, cost, and feasibility of the processing.

Anatomy↗
PubMed1987

The structural relationship between mesangial cells and basement membrane of the renal glomerulus.

It has been shown by many studies that mesangial cell contraction exerts considerable influences on glomerular filtration dynamics. However, experimental findings about the geometrical changes within the glomerular tuft going along with mesangial cell contractions are lacking. This study analyzes the geometry of mesangial cells and their relationship to glomerular capillaries, especially to the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). By applying a new staining technique of unosmicated specimens for TEM, the cellular outlines of glomerular cells (mesangial, endothelial and epithelial) and the distribution of extracellular matrices can be more easily studied than in conventionally osmicated specimens. It became obvious that mesangial cells and the GBM are extensively connected with each other, either by direct attachments or indirectly by microfibrils. These connections are especially prominent at mesangial angles, i.e. at sites where the GBM deviates from its pericapillary course and covers the mesangium. Thereby, the GBM is not only coupled to the mesangium but--via mesangial cell processes--also to the GBM at the opposing mesangial angle. It seems possible that contraction of mesangial cells can bring the GBM from opposing mesangial angles closer together. Therefore we conclude that the GBM and the contractile mesangial cells together establish a biomechanical unit capable of developing wall tension in glomerular capillaries and of changing the geometry of glomerular capillaries following mesangial contraction or relaxation.

Animals↗