DigitalUM :: Browsing by Subject "Kidney"

Browsing by Subject "Kidney"

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Open Access
A morphological study in the kidney and spleen of gilthead, Sparus aurata, L. caused by sodium dodecyl sulphate
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1997) Rosety, M.A.; Ribelles, A.; Carrasco, C.
This paper reports the morphological changes in the kidney and spleen of gilthead (Sparus aurata, L), caused by acute action of the anionic detergent, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). Twenty- five giltheads were exposed to SDS concentrations of 5, 8.5, 10 and 15 mgll. Morphological changes depending on detergent concentrations and length of exposure were seen. Kidney shows loss of normal structure with tubular and renal corpuscle retraction; spleen shows tendency to darnage the reticulae structure and a progressive increase of leucocytes and red cells infiltration.
Open Access
Anencephalic fetuses can be an10 alternative for kidney transplantation, a stereological and histological investigation
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2010) Kalaycıoğlu, Ahmet; Karaca, Mehmet; Can, Ismail; Keleş, Osman Nuri; Üçüncü, Yilmaz; Gündoğdu, Cemal; Uyanık, Abdullah; Ünal, Bünyami
In the study, stereological, histological, and anatomical techniques were used to investigate structural and morphometrical features of anencephalic and normal fetal kidneys. Twenty human fetal kidneys (5 male and 5 female anencephalic fetuses, and 5 male and 5 female normal fetuses) at gestational ages 30 to 35 weeks were examined. Our study used two basic research methods. One was conventional anatomical measurement at the macroscopic level, such as volume, length, weight, etc. The other consisted of conventional and modern microscopic techniques. The microscopic techniques were based on two research methods: histopathological examination at light microscopic level and stereological estimations, including mean kidney volumes, obtained by the Cavalieri method, and the total number and mean height of the glomeruli via the physical dissector method. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of width, height, weight, and fluid replacement volumes. Microscopic quantitative assessment found no statistical differences either, in terms of the kidney volumes and the number and height of the glomeruli. Our findings suggest that kidneys from anencephalic infants may be a suitable alternative for renal transplantation
Open Access
Angiotensinergic innervation of the kidney: Localization and relationship with catecholaminergic postganglionic and sensory nerve fibers
(F. Hernández y Juan F. Madrid. Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 2012) Bohlender, Jürgen; Pfarrer, Beat; Patil, Jaspal; Nussberger, Jürg; Thalmann, Georg N. Thalmann; Imboden, Hans
We describe an angiotensin (Ang) II-containing innervation of the kidney. Cryosections of rat, pig and human kidneys were investigated for the presence of Ang II-containing nerve fibers using a mouse monoclonal antibody against Ang II (4B3). Co-staining was performed with antibodies against synaptophysin, tyrosine 3-hydroxylase, and dopamine beta-hydroxylase to detect catecholaminergic efferent fibers and against calcitonin gene-related peptide to detect sensory fibers. Tagged secondary antibodies and confocal light or laser scanning microscopy were used for immunofluorescence detection. Ang II-containing nerve fibers were densely present in the renal pelvis, the subepithelial layer of the urothelium, the arterial nervous plexus, and the peritubular interstitium of the cortex and outer medulla. They were infrequent in central veins and the renal capsule and absent within glomeruli and the renal papilla. Ang II-positive fibers represented phenotypic subgroups of catecholaminergic postganglionic or sensory fibers with different morphology and intrarenal distribution compared to their Ang II-negative counterparts. The Ang II-positive postganglionic fibers were thicker, produced typically fusiform varicosities and preferentially innervated the outer medulla and periglomerular arterioles. Ang II-negative sensory fibers were highly varicose, prevailing in the pelvis and scarce in the renal periphery compared to the rarely varicose Ang II-positive fibers. Neurons within renal microganglia displayed angiotensinergic, cate-cholaminergic, or combined phenotypes. Our results suggest that autonomic fibers may be an independent source of intrarenal Ang II acting as a neuropeptide co-transmitter or neuromodulator. The angiotensinergic renal innervation may play a distinct role in the neuronal control of renal sodium reabsorption, vasomotion and renin secretion.
Open Access
Antioxidant enzymes in renal cell carcinoma
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2006) Soini, Y.; Kallio, J.P.; Hirvikoski, P.; Helin, H.; Kellokumpu-Lehtinen, P.; Tammela, T.L.J.; Peltoniemi, M.; Martikainen, P.M.; Kinnula, V.L.
The aim of the study was to estimate the significance of oxidative/nitrosative damage and expression of antioxidant enzymes in renal cell carcinomas (RCC). For this we investigated immunohistochemically six antioxidant enzymes (AOEs) including MnSOD, ECSOD, thioredoxin, thioredoxin reductase, and gammaglutamyl cysteine synthetase heavy and light chain in 138 RCCs. As an indicator of oxidative/nitrosative damage, sections were stained with an antibody to nitrotyrosine. The extent of apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL method and proliferation by immunohistochemistry to Ki67. Variable expression of all AOEs could be seen in RCC with expression of MnSOD being strongest. Nitrotyrosine was significantly associated with high grade tumors. MnSOD was associated with tumors of a lower stage. Cases showing ECSOD reactivity had higher and cases expressing thioredoxin lower apoptotic index than other tumors. No association with patient prognosis was observed. According to the results renal cell carcinomas show oxidative/nitrosative damage which, according to nitrotyrosine staining, was higher in high grade tumors. Of AOEs, MnSOD was more abundantly expressed in low stage tumors suggesting that its antioxidant function could play a main role to prevent development of oxidative damage leading to more aggressive tumors.
Open Access
Autoimmune glomerulonephritis induced in congenic mouse strain carrying telomeric region of chromosome 1 derived from MRL-MpJ
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2008) Ichii, Osamu; Konno, Akihiro; Sasaki, Nobuya; Endoh, Daiji; Hashimoto, Yoshiharu; Kon, Yasuhiro
In lupus erythematosus-prone mice, including the BXSB, NZW and NZB strains, telomeric regions of chromosome 1 (Chr.1) contain major glomerulonephritis susceptibility loci such as Bxs3, Sle1, and Nba2. To assess whether strain MRL, a model for lupus erythematosus, had glomerulonephritis susceptibility loci on Chr.1, we created B6.MRLc1(82- 100) congenic mice carrying MRL/MpJ Chr.1 (82- 100cM) based on the C57BL/6 background and investigated renal pathology. From 6 months of age, B6.MRLc1 (82-100) showed the onset of diseases such as splenomegaly due to proliferation of CD3- or B220- positive cells, glomerular damage, and an increased serum anti-dsDNA antibody concentration, and these were earlier and severer in females. The score for glomerular damage was higher in B6.MRLc1(82-100) mice over 12 months old than in C57BL/6 or even in wild-type MRL/MpJ. Immune-complex depositions were demonstrated on glomerular basement membrane in B6.MRLc1(82-100) by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. For the percentage of IgG1- positive glomeruli, B6.MRLc1 (82-100) had significantly higher values than C57BL/6. In evaluations of clinical parameters, serum levels of blood urea nitrogen and the anti-dsDNA antibody in B6.MRLc1(82- 100) were significantly higher than those in C57BL/6. In conclusion, B6.MRLc1(82-100) clearly developed autoimmune-mediated glomerulonephritis, and we demonstrated that MRL Chr.1 contained a novel glomerulonephritis susceptibility locus. We named this locus Mag (MRL autoimmune glomerulonephritis) and it provided new insights into the genetic basis and pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.
Open Access
Crim1–, a regulator of developmental organogenesis
(Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 2016) Iyer, Swati; Pennisi, David J.; Piper, Michael
The regulation of growth factor localization, availability and activity is critical during embryogenesis to ensure appropriate organogenesis. This process is regulated through the coordinated expression of growth factors and their cognate receptors, as well as via proteins that can bind, sequester or localize growth factors to distinct locations. One such protein is the transmembrane protein Crim1. This protein has been shown to be expressed broadly within the developing embryo, and to regulate organogenesis within the eye, kidney and placenta. Mechanistically, Crim1 has been revealed to mediate organogenesis via its interaction with growth factors including TGFβs, BMPs, VEGFs and PDFGs. More recently, Crim1 has been shown to influence cardiac development, providing further insights into the function of this protein. This review will provide an overview of the role of Crim1 in organogenesis, largely focusing on how this protein regulates growth factor signaling in the nascent heart. Moreover, we will address the challenges ahead relating to further elucidating how Crim1 functions during development.
Open Access
Detection and localization of HIV-1 DNA in renal tissues by in situ polymerase chain reaction
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2006) Tanji, N.; Ross, M.D.; Tanji, K.; Bruggeman, L.A.; Markowitz, G.S.; Klotman, P.E.; D’Agati, V.D.
The localization of HIV-1 DNA in renal tissues is critically important for understanding pathogenesis of HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN), but the clarification has been technically challenging. We applied in situ polymerase chain reaction (IS-PCR) to human renal tissues to demonstrate viral entry into the renal epithelial cells in vivo. To test the specificity of this method and to determine the cell types infected, we used IS-PCR followed by in situ hybridization (ISH) and IS-PCR followed by immunohistochemistry and histochemical counterstains. Brief 2 hour fixation in 4% paraformaldehyde had 92.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity for detection of viral DNA in renal biopsies of HIVAN patients, compared to 70.8% sensitivity and 66.7% specificity in renal biopsies fixed overnight in 10% formalin. Under optimized conditions, the only signals detectable in HIV- 1 seronegative cases were false positives attributable to renal tubular apoptosis. In HIVAN cases, positive signal was observed in podocytes, parietal cells, renal tubular cells, and interstitial leukocytes. Immunohistochemical co-labeling for pan-T cell and macrophage markers revealed that the interstitial leukocytes with positivity for HIV-1 DNA included both T cells and macrophages Application of ISH after IS-PCR showed the same distribution of signal as observed using IS-PCR alone, confirming the specificity of the technique. IS-PCR is a powerful technique to detect viral DNA in human tissue sections, but requires proper use of negative controls to set optimal fixation, protein digestion, and amplification conditions.
Open Access
Distribution and microstructure of intrarenal arteries in Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus)
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2020) Li, Hui; Cui, Yan; Wang, Yali; Qiu, Haiyu; Afedo, Seth Yaw; Huang, Yufeng; Bai, Xuefeng
Studies and reports focusing on the Bactrian camels’ kidney structure from an anatomical perspective are scanty, therefore, this work aims to systemically investigate the anatomical structure of the kidney and examine the distribution and microstructure of intrarenal arteries. Ten pairs of healthy adult kidneys from male and female Bactrian camels were used in the study. The kidney of Bactrian camel appeared like a broad bean with a smooth surface. Using artery casting, we observed that the renal artery divided into dorsal and ventral branches; the dorsal branch continuously divided into a shorter anterior branch and a longer posterior branch, while the ventral branch directly divided into interlobar arteries. The number of interlobar arteries in the left and right kidneys were slightly different, 14 to 16 in left while 16 in the right kidney. No anastomosis was found between the dorsal and ventral branches or their sub- branches. To further study the microscopic structure, microanatomy and scanning microscope were used. Surprisingly, we observed two other ways afferent arteriole arose apart from the interlobular artery. They were the arcuate artery and conjoint afferent arteriole. Two afferent arterioles supplied one glomerulus and occasionally the absence of glomerulus was also observed, where the arteriole kept extending, and no typical glomerulus formed. Since branching of arteries and urologic function of kidneys are physiologically integrated, these features of Bactrian camel may help to further investigate their adaptations to desert climate.
Open Access
Effect of telmisartan on preexistent cardiac and renal lesions in spontaneously hypertensive mature rats
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2004) Mandarim-de-Lacerda, Carlos A.; Pereira, L.M.M.
Fifteen adult male spontaneously hypertensive rats (one year old) (SHR) were separated into three groups (n=5 each) during 15 weeks as follows: initial control group (IC); final control group (FC); and telmisartan group (T) (1.2 mg/kg/day of telmisartan). Serum and urinary creatinine and proteinuria were not different comparing untreated and telmisartan-treated SHRs. FC rats showed a continuous BP increase during the study while T rats reached the 15th week with a significantly low BP. The LV mass index was significantly smaller in the T group than in the FC group, as was the glomerular hypertrophy. The cardiomyocyte nuclei density per area and the cardiomyocyte mean cross-sectional area were smaller in the T group than in both the IC and FC groups. Intramyocardial artery densities (per area and per volume) were greater in the T group than in untreated SHRs, but myocardial fibrosis was reduced. In conclusion, telmisartan monotherapy effects on BP and also on the hypertension target organs, heart and kidney, are favorable. Telmisartan is able to attenuate SHR cardiomyocyte and glomerular hypertrophies, and myocardial reactive fibrosis as well. It also is favorable to the intramyocardial microcirculation.
Open Access
Effects of captopril on the development of rat doxorubicin nephropathy
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1992) Squadrito, F.; Macchiarelli, C.; Santoro, G.; Arcoraci, V.; Trimarchi, G.R.; Sturniolo, R.; Nottola, S.A.; Motta, P.M.; Caputi, A.P.
The effects of a daily administration of an anti-converting enzyme inhibitor, Captopril (CPT) (100 mg/kg/orally), on the development of functional and morphological alterations induced in rats by a single injection (7.5 mg/kg/iv) of Doxorubicin (DXR) (Adnamycin*), were investigated. Twenty-four-hour protein excretion, urine output, food intake, water intake, and body weight gain were measured weekly for 30 days. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy observations were performed on kidney samples after 30 days. Four groups were studied. Group 1 were control rats. Group 2 were rats injected with DXR. Group 3 were rats injected with DXR and treated with CPT for 30 days. Group 4 were rats injected with DXR and treated with CPT for 15 days (CPT treatment started 15 days after DXR injection). Group 1 did not show significant functional or morphological changes. Group 2 showed severe proteinuria, significant increase in urinary volume within 2 weeks, significant body weight reduction and diffuse morphological changes. These changes mainly consisted of podocyte swelling, severe foot process fusion, and presence of casts within tubular lumen. Group 3, with respect to group 2, showed a significant reduction of the 24 h protein excretion and urine output. This group displayed morphological changes similar to those observed in group 2, but with a focal distribution. Group 4 showed functional and morphological changes comparable with those of group 2. It is concluded that CPT partially inhibits the development of the functional and morphological damage induced by DXR in the rat kidney. However, CPT did not influence the natural development of nephropathy when treatment started 15 days after DXR injection.
Open Access
Effects of chronic L-NAME on nitrotyrosine expression and renal vascular reactivity in rats with chronic bile-duct ligation
(Porland Press LTD, 2008-01-09) Alcaraz, Antonia; Hernández, David; Iyú, David; Mota, Rubén; Atucha, Noemí M.; Ortiz Ruiz, Antonio José; García Estañ, Joaquín; Ortiz, María C.; Dermatología, Estomatología, Radiología y Medicina Física
In liver cirrhosis, elevated levels of NO and ROS (reactive oxygen species) might greatly favour the generation of peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrite is a highly reactive oxidant and it can potentially alter the vascular reactivity and the function of different organs. In the present study, we evaluated whether peroxynitrite levels are related to the progression of renal vascular and excretory dysfunction during experimental cirrhosis induced by chronic BDL (bile-duct ligation) in rats. Experiments were performed at 7, 15 and 21 days after BDL in rats and in rats 21 days post-BDL chronically treated with L-NAME (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester). Sodium balance, BP (blood pressure), basal RPP (renal perfusion pressure) and the renal vascular response to PHE (phenylephrine) and ACh (acetylcholine) in isolated perfused kidneys were measured. NO levels were calculated as 24-h urinary excretion of nitrites, ROS as TBARS (thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances), and peroxynitrite formation as the renal expression of nitrotyrosine. BDL rats had progressive sodium retention, and decreased BP, RPP and renal vascular responses to PHE and ACh in the time following BDL. They also had increasing levels of NO and ROS, and renal nitrotyrosine accumulation, especially in the medulla. All of these changes were either prevented or significantly decreased by chronic L-NAME administration. In conclusion, these results suggest that the increasing levels of peroxynitrite might contribute to the altered renal vascular response and sodium retention in the development of the experimental biliary cirrhosis. Moreover, the beneficial effects of decreasing NO synthesis are, at least in part, mediated by anti-peroxinitrite-related effects.
Open Access
Exercise-induced apoptosis in rat kidney is mediated by both angiotensin II AT1 and AT2 receptors
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2006) Podhorska-Okolow, M.; Dziegiel, Piotr; Gomulkiewicz, A.; Kisiela, D.; Dolinska-Krajewska, B.; Jethon, Z.; Carraro, U.; Zabel, M.
Excessive physical exercise may lead to disturbance of the entire homeostasis in the body, including damage not only in skeletal muscles but also in many distant organs. The mechanisms responsible for the exercise-induced changes could include oxidative stress or angiotensin II. We previously showed that acute exercise led to apoptosis in kidney but not as a result of oxidative stress. In this study, we examined the role of angiotensin II and its AT1 and AT2 receptors in mediation of exercise-induced apoptosis in kidney. We clearly demonstrated that acute physical exercise induced apoptosis in renal cells of distal convoluted tubuli and cortical and medullary collecting ducts. Moreover, the cells displayed an increased expression of both AT1 and AT2 angiotensin II receptors and of p53 protein. The results suggest that angiotensin II could upregulate p53 expression in renal distal convoluted tubular cells and in the cells collecting ducts via both AT1 and AT2 receptors, which might be the crucial apoptosis-mediating mechanism in kidneys after excessive exercise.
Open Access
Exploring cyclosporine A-side effects and the protective role-played by antioxidants: the morphological and immunohistochemical studies
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2006) Rezzani, R.
Cyclosporine A (CsA) is the immunosuppressor most frequently used in transplant surgery and in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, because of its specific inhibiting effect on the signal transduction pathways of cell T receptor. It has been shown that CsA is able to generate reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, which are directly involved in the CsA nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. So, the use of antioxidants seems to be a useful tool in attempting to reduce CsA adverse effects. The aim of this review is to summarise the general aspect of CsA, the classification of antioxidants, their mechanism of action and their administration for improving CsA side effects. The protective role of different antioxidants has been evaluated on CsA-induced nephrotoxicity. It has been shown that the antioxidants, improved the morphological renal cytoarchitecture, increased the antioxidant enzyme content, decreased lipid peroxidation and reactive species oxygen (ROS). The protective role of antioxidants was also found in CsA hepatotoxicity and was related to the increase in antioxidant capacity of hepatic tissue, which was responsible for ameliorating hepatic morphology. Recently, it has been demonstrated that CsA induces side effects on the heart but the data to this purpose are very few and also the number of results on the protective role played by antioxidants it is very limited. In conclusion, not only do these observations provide insight into the intricate mechanism of CsA adverse effects, but they also present novel opportunities for the design and development of more effective therapeutic strategies against negative effects
Open Access
Expression of annexin AI in conventional renal cell carcinoma (CRCC) correlates with tumour stage, Fuhrman grade, amount of eosinophilic cells and clinical outcome
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2007) Zimmermann, U.; Woenckhaus, C.; Teller, S.; Venz, S.; Langheinrich, M.; Protzel, C.; Maile, S.; Junker, H.; Giebel, J.
There is increasing evidence that Annexin AI (ANX AI) expression is dysregulated in several carcinomas and tumour cell lines. In order to gain insight into the putative role of ANX AI in tumorigenesis, clinical outcome and metastatic potential of conventional renal cell carcinomas (CRCCs) we investigated the expression of ANX AI in CRCCs and metastases. Furthermore, it was elucidated whether ANX AI overexpression affects migratory potential in Caki-1 cells. ANX AI immunohistochemistry was performed on 33 samples of CRCCs and 10 metastases. ANX AI expression was assessed in 12 samples by 2-dimensional gelelectrophoresis (2-DE), subsequent mass spectrometry and RT-PCR. Immunohistochemical data were statistically correlated with pathological parameters, amount of eosinophilic cells and clinical outcome. Furthermore, a haptotactic migration assay was done on Caki-1 cells transfected with ANX AI. Immunostaining for ANX AI was found in 18 tumours and all metastases investigated. Intensity of immunohistochemical staining correlated to Fuhrman grade, amount of eosinophilic cells and clinical outcome. 2-DE and RT-PCR confirmed the presence of ANX AI in neoplastic tissue. Overexpression of ANX AI did not significantly influence cell migration. From these findings ANX AI expression seems to be related to Fuhrman grade, clinical outcome and metastatic potential of CRCCs. Thus ANX AI could serve as a prognostic marker for tumour progression.
Open Access
Expression of EPO and related factors in the liver and kidney of plain and Tibetan sheep
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2023) Yang, Kun; Zhang, Lan; Chen, Weiji; Cheng, Jialu; Zhao, Xiaomeng; Zhang, Yiyang; Li, Rui; Zhou, Manlin; Yao, Yifan; Li, You; Qiao, Zilin
Erythropoietin (EPO), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF2α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are key factors in the regulation of hypoxia, and can transcriptionally activate multiple genes under hypoxic conditions, thereby initiating large hypoxic stress in the network. The liver and kidneys are important metabolic organs of the body. We assessed the expression of EPO, HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF in liver and kidney tissues of plain and Tibetan sheep using hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and RT-qPCR. The results showed that EPO, HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF were expressed in tubular epithelial cells, collecting duct epithelial cells, mural epithelial cells, and the glomerular cytoplasm of Tibetan sheep, and their expression was significantly higher in Tibetan sheep than in plain sheep (P<0.05). EPO, HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF are expressed in hepatocytes, interlobular venous endothelial cells, and interlobular bile duct epithelial cells. In plain sheep, positive signals for EPO, HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF were localized mainly in interlobular venous endothelial cells, whereas VEGF and HIF-2α were negatively expressed in interlobular bile duct epithelial cells and positively expressed in EPO and HIF-1α. The differences in EPO, HIF-1α, and HIF-2α in Tibetan sheep were significantly higher than those in plain sheep (P<0.001). In the liver and kidney tissues of Tibetan sheep, EPO was associated with HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF (P<0.05). RT-qPCR results showed that EPO was not expressed, and HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF were expressed (P<0.05). The results showed that the expression of EPO, HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF in the kidney and liver of Tibetan sheep was higher than that in of plain sheep. Therefore, EPO, HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF may be involved in the adaptive response of plateau animals, which provides theoretical clarity to further explore the adaptive mechanism of plateau hypoxia in Tibetan sheep.
Open Access
Expression of stem cell marker CD133 in fetal and adult human kidneys and pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis
(Murcia: F. Hernández, 2011) Kim, Kyungeun; Park, Bong-Hee; Ihm, Hyojin; Kim, Kyung Min; Jeong, Jinuk; Chang, Jai Won; Cho, Yong Mee
Background: Different cell types in the kidney, including those in tubules, glomeruli, and interstitium, have been proposed as candidate adult renal stem cells, raising controversy about the very existence of such cells. In this study, we sought to clarify the location and nature of adult renal stem cells and to address their reparative role in native kidney disease. Methods: The expression of the stem cell marker CD133 was analyzed in 31 normal fetal and adult human kidneys by immunohistochemical methods. Co expression of CD133 with Ki-67 and tubule specific markers was also examined. Seventeen cases of pauciimmune glomerulonephritis were evaluated for CD133 and Ki-67 expression, and this was correlated with the patients’ renal prognosis. Results: CD133 was expressed in S-shaped bodies of fetal kidneys and co-expressed with Ki-67. It was highly expressed in mature tubules of fetal and adult kidneys without Ki-67 co-expression. CD133+ cells were most abundant in the S3 segment of proximal tubules and co-expressed with the distal tubule marker, suggesting multipotency. Most tubular CD133+ cells in normal adult kidneys exhibited pathologic features of acute and chronic injury. In pauci-immune glomerulonephritis, tubular CD133 and Ki-67 coexpression tended to be higher in cases where renal function recovered. Conclusion: These results suggest that adult renal stem cells reside predominantly in the S3 segment of the proximal tubule, where they remain mitotically silent under normal conditions, but can be induced by cellular injury. These results also suggest a potential role for adult renal stem cells in recovery from native human kidney disease.
Open Access
High-grade renal cell carcinoma with emperipolesis: Clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular-genetic analysis of 14 cases
(Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 2018) Rotterova, Pavla; Martinek, Petr; Alaghehbandan, Reza; Prochazkova, Kristyna; Damjanov, Iván; Rogala, Joanna; Suster, Saul; Perez Montiel, Delia; Alvarado Cabrero, Isabel; Sperga, Maris; Švajdler, Marián; Michalova, Kvetoslava; Pivovarcikova, Kristyna; Daum, Ondrej; Hora, Milan; Dusek, Martin; Ondic, Ondrej; Stehlikova, Adela; Michal, Michal; Hes, Ondrej
Emperipolesis has recently been described as a constant feature of “biphasic squamoid” papillary renal cell carcinoma (BPRCC). We also noticed this in some high-grade (HG) RCC, which promoted the present study to estimate the incidence of emperipolesis in RCCs and to describe them in further detail. 14 cases of HGRCC showing emperipolesis were retrieved from our registry. Microscopic examination of filed slides was supplemented with immunohistochemical and molecular-genetic analyses using paraffin embedded tissue. 12 of 14 patients were males with a mean age of 58.6 years (range 41-72 years). Tumor size ranged from 6-16.5 cm (mean of 8.8 cm). Follow up data were available for 8/14 patients (range 0.5-10 years). Metastases were documented in 6 cases. All tumors showed solid-alveolar growth patterns with focal pseudopapillary features, and were composed of large cells with bizarre nuclei and eosinophilic rhabdoid-like cytoplasm. Emperipolesis was a constant and prominent feature in large bizarre cells. All cases were positive for OSCAR, CANH 9, vimentin, cyclin D1, INI-1, and myoD1, while negative for melanocytic markers, CK 7, myoglobin, cathepsin K, and TFE3. VHL gene abnormalities were found in 6/9 analyzable cases, of which 2 demonstrated polysomy of chromosomes 7, 17. Emperipolesis is a rare histomorphologic feature which can be seen not only in BPRCCs but also in highgrade CCRCCs. All RCC cases with prominent emperipolesis fulfilled both morphologic and immunohistochemical diagnostic criteria of high-grade CCRCC. The majority of patients with available follow up information developed metastases.
Open Access
Histological and stereological insights into renal and adrenal changes in pregnant rats exposed to wood smoke-derived PM2.5
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) Salinas, P.; Villarroel, F.; González Torres, C.; Lazcano, T.; Silva, J.; Maulen, A.; Rojas, E.
Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is a global health issue affecting millions. In southern Chile, firewood used for heating exacerbates pollution, especially in winter. This study examines the impact of wood smoke-derived PM2.5 on kidney and adrenal gland morphology in pregnant rats. It evaluates chronic PM2.5 exposure effects during pregestational and gestational periods in Sprague-Dawley rats. Pregnant rats were exposed to PM2.5 in Temuco, a city with high wood smoke pollution. Filtered and unfiltered air chambers simulated different exposure conditions. Histological and stereological analyses were conducted on rat kidneys and adrenal glands using systematic sampling and STEPanizer software. Findings showed significant changes in renal and adrenal morphology due to PM2.5 exposure. In the kidney, variations were observed in glomerular compaction, proximal convoluted tubules, and medullary rays. In the adrenal gland, the zona fasciculata showed decreased acidophilia and lipid content, reduced cytoplasmic homogeneity, and the appearance of empty spaces. These effects were more pronounced in rats exposed to unfiltered air during both pregestational and gestational periods. Wood smoke-derived PM2.5 exposure significantly impacts kidney and adrenal morphology in pregnant rats, emphasizing the need for strategies to reduce environmental pollutant exposure during critical developmental periods to protect maternal-fetal health.
Open Access
Histopathological changes in avian kidney caused by Bothrops insularis (jararaca ilhoa) venom and a phospholipase A2-containing fraction
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2001) da Cruz Hoflingl, M.A.; Paronetto, C.C.L.; Cogo, J.C.; Rodrigues-Simioni, L.; D'Abreu, A.C.F.
The histopathological changes induced in avian kidney by the intramuscular injection of Bothrops insularis (jararaca ilhda) venom and its phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-containing fraction were examined. Acute experiments (3 h and 24 h) with B. insularis crude venom (20 pg and 80 pg) or its PLA2-contaning fraction (10 pg and 40 pg) resulted in significant structural damage to the kidneys of 5-12-day-old chicks. Histopathological analysis indicated that the venom and its fraction acted on the renal tubules and glomeruli. The morphological changes, although widespread, varied in intensity from cell to cell, and from tubule to tubule in venom-injected chicks. The tubular and glomerular changes produced by the venom and its PLA2-containing fraction may be the result of a direct cytotoxic effect potentiated by ischemia-related disturbances in the regional hemodynamics. The venom and its fraction affected more segments along reptilian-type nephrons than along mammalian ones. This divergent sensitivity to the venom and its fraction may reflect the speciesspecific characteristics of B. insularis snake, an example of geographical isolation influencing its diet which is almost exclusively avian.
Open Access
Immunogold localization of mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase in mitochondria and on the cell surface in normal rat tissues
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2002) Cechetto, J.D.; Sadacharan, S.K.; Berk, P.D.; Gupta, R.S.
Mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase (mAspAT) (E.C. 2.6.1.1), an important enzyme in amino acid metabolism, is identical to a fatty acid-binding protein (FA B Pp m) isolated from plasma membranes of several cell types. Employing a monospecific polyclonal antibody to rat mAspAT, we have used immunogold electron microscopy to study the subcellular distribution of mAspAT in various mammalian tissues. Immunogold labeling of rat tissue sections embedded in LR Gold resin showed strong labeling of mitochondria in all tissues examined (viz. live r, pancreas, pituitary, spleen, heart, kidney, submandibular gland). In addition, strong and specific labeling was also observed at a number of non-mitochondrial sites including various locations in k i d n ey, such as on cell surface in distal tubules and cortical collecting ducts, in condensing vacuoles, along cell boundaries between adjoining cells, and in endothelial cells lining capillaries in the glomerulus. S u r face labeling due to mAspAT was also seen in arteriolar endothelial cells and in lymphocytes. These findings support the previous identification of mAspAT as both a mitochondrial enzyme and a plasma membrane protein. It is suggested that in accordance with its established role in other cells and tissues, the surfa c e - located mAspAT in kidney and endothelial cells is i nvo l ved in the fatty acid transport process. The duallocalization of mAspAT, as well as a large number of other mitochondrial proteins (viz. Hsp60, Hsp10, Cytochrome c, TRAP-1 and P32 (gC1q-R)) in recent studies, within both mitochondria and at various specific extramitochondrial sites raises fundamental questions about the role of mitochondria in cell structure and function, and about the mechanisms that exist in normal cells for protein translocation from mitochondria to other compartments. These results have implications for the role of mitochondria in apoptosis and different diseases.