大天鹅肾组织显微结构及细胞凋亡相关蛋白的表达

为了解大天鹅(Cygnus cygnus)肾的结构特点和相关活性蛋白的表达情况,采用石蜡切片、H.E染色和免疫组化法,观察分析大天鹅的肾组织显微结构和Caspase-3、Bcl-2、Bax及AQP-3的表达。大天鹅的肾组织主要由肾单位、集合管和结缔组织构成;肾小球由一团盘曲的毛细血管构成,近端小管由单层立方上皮组成,游离面有刷状缘,细段由单层扁平上皮组成,远端小管由立方形上皮组成,腔面无刷状缘。近端小管上皮细胞中有Caspase-3、Bcl-2、Bax阳性表达,远端小管上皮细胞有Caspase-3阳性表达,集合管上皮细胞有Bcl-2、AQP-3阳性表达,在肾小球毛细血管内皮有Bcl-2阳性表达。Caspase-3、Bcl-2、Bax及AQP-3共同调节细胞的生长与凋亡过程,可能在稳定鸟类肾单位和集合管结构及调节肾组织水平衡等方面有重要的作用。     

内皮型一氧化氮合酶在胚胎小鼠肾脏发育中的表达

目的观察妊娠不同时期胚胎小鼠肾脏发育不同阶段内皮型一氧化氮合酶（eNOS）的表达,探讨eNOS在胚胎小鼠肾脏早期发育中的意义。方法分别取胚龄13d（E13）、14d（E14）、15d（E15）、16d（E16）、18d（E18）组及新生组（P0）小鼠各10只,共6组。分别用免疫组化及免疫印迹方法对小鼠肾脏内eNOS表达进行定性、定量分析。结果（1）免疫组化结果显示：E14、E15组eNOS在生肾区呈阳性表达;E16组生肾区表达减弱,肾近端小管呈强阳性表达,同时远端小管及肾脏小动脉内皮也有阳性表达;E18组、P0组近端小管呈强阳性表达,远端小管呈阳性表达,髓质中的集合管eNOS表达弱阳性,而致密斑呈阴性表达。（2）免疫印迹结果显示：E14组肾脏eNOS含量较少,随后逐渐增多,PD0组eNOS含量最多。结论（1）eNOS在小鼠肾脏第14d开始呈阳性表达,以后含量逐渐升高,出生时含量最高。（2）eNOS表达部位从生肾区开始,以后其表达逐渐减弱甚至消失,而肾近端小管、远端小管的表达晚于生肾区,且呈逐渐增强趋势,至出生时达到最强。这一结果表明eNOS在胚胎小鼠肾脏发育的早期阶段起重要调节作用。     

金钱豹肾的组织学和微血管铸型的观察

为探讨金钱豹(Panthera pardus)肾的组织结构和微血管构筑特点,利用生物显微技术与微血管铸型技术及扫描电镜对金钱豹肾的组织结构和肾小球微血管构筑进行了观察。结果显示,金钱豹的肾皮质与髓质厚度比为1∶(1.5~3),肾近端小管上皮为单层立方细胞,胞体较大,细胞排列紧密,分界不清楚,其腔面有刷状缘,胞质嗜酸性;远端小管无明显的刷状缘,胞质弱嗜酸性,胞核多位于中央;集合管细胞排列紧密,管腔较大,上皮细胞呈矮柱状,胞质弱嗜酸性。金钱豹的肾小球多呈球形或卵圆形,直径为99~142μm,入球小动脉管径13~15μm,出球小动脉管径9.5~11.5μm。     

石蜡切片行免疫荧光染色后再行PAS或HE染色确定NPR-A蛋白在肾脏的定位

目的 介绍一种新方法来明确NPR-A蛋白在大鼠肾组织的定位.方法 采用肾脏石蜡切片先行NPR-A免疫荧光染色,然后再行PAS或HE染色.结果 NPR-A免疫阳性物在大鼠肾组织主要沉积于皮质的近端小管、外髓的髓袢升支粗段以及内髓集合管,直小血管、肾小球、远曲小管和细段也有一定量的表达,而皮质及外髓集合管仅有少量的表达.结论 研究采用石蜡切片先行免疫荧光染色后再行PAS或HE染色,在不用或少用特异性抗体的情况下,成功的解决了NPR-A蛋白在大鼠肾组织表达的分布位置及细胞定位的难题.     

泥鳅外周血细胞的细胞化学染色特征及细胞化学谱

目的 研究泥鳅（Misgurnus anguillicaudatus）外周血细胞的细胞化学染色特征及细胞化学谱。方法 自泥鳅尾静脉取血,立即制作血涂片,进行瑞氏及7种细胞化学染色,包括酸性磷酸酶（ACP）、碱性磷酸酶（AKP）、氯乙酸AS-D萘酚酯酶（AS-D）、α-醋酸萘酚酯酶（α-NAE）、过碘酸-雪夫（PAS）、过氧化物酶（POX）和苏丹黑B(SBB)染色。结果 在泥鳅外周血中分辨出红细胞、4种白细胞和血栓细胞,4种白细胞分别为淋巴细胞、单核细胞、嗜中性粒细胞和嗜酸性粒细胞。红细胞PAS染色呈阳性,ACP、AKP、AS-D、α-NAE、POX和SBB染色均为阴性;淋巴细胞AS-D、α-NAE和PAS染色呈阳性,ACP、AKP、POX和SBB染色为阴性;单核细胞AS-D染色呈阳性,ACP、α-NAE和PAS染色为弱阳性,AKP、POX和SBB染色为阴性;嗜中性粒细胞ACP和AS-D呈阳性染色,α-NAE、PAS和SBB染色为弱阳性,AKP和POX染色为阴性;嗜酸性粒细胞ACP和AS-D染色呈强阳性,α-NAE、PAS和SBB染色为阳性,AKP和POX染色为阴性;血栓细胞AS-D染色...     

小熊猫肾脏和输尿管的组织学研究

小熊猫的肾脏呈蚕豆形,表面光滑不分叶,只有1个肾锥体和1个肾盏,无肾盂。肾脏皮质内可见皮质迷路和髓放线。皮质迷路内有近曲小管、远曲小管和肾小体等结构。髓放线内有近端小管直部和远端小管直部。髓质可分为外髓和内髓两个区域。外髓有较多的集合管断面,少量的远端小管直部和细段,较多的直小血管束。内髓部位有大量的细段和乳头管。各种泌尿小管之间有少量的疏松结缔组织构成的间质,间质内有丰富的毛细血管。输尿管横切面呈圆形或卵圆形,管腔呈不规则的裂隙状。管壁由粘膜、肌肉层和外膜组成。并与大熊猫肾脏和输尿管的组织结构作了比较研究。     

团头鲂外周血细胞的显微结构及细胞化学特征

采用常规瑞氏染色和细胞化学染色方法对团头鲂(Megalobrama amblycephala)外周血细胞的显微结构及细胞化学特征进行了观察。在团头鲂外周血细胞中可区分出六类细胞: 红细胞、淋巴细胞、单核细胞、嗜中性粒细胞、嗜酸性粒细胞和血栓细胞。其中淋巴细胞是除红细胞外含量最多的细胞, 其次分别为血栓细胞、单核细胞、嗜中性粒细胞、嗜酸性粒细胞。成熟红细胞多为卵圆形, 表面光滑, 胞核呈椭圆形或圆形, 染色质较为致密; 淋巴细胞多呈圆形, 胞质较少, 胞核常偏位; 单核细胞多为圆形, 胞核呈圆形或椭圆形, 胞质内可见空泡状结构; 嗜中性粒细胞近似圆形, 胞核常偏于细胞一侧, 呈分叶状、肾形或椭圆形, 核质界限清晰; 嗜酸性粒细胞一般为圆形, 胞核为肾形或椭圆形, 胞质中充满紫红色颗粒; 血栓细胞形态多样, 主要有椭圆形、纺锤形、长杆状和泪滴形, 核质比较大。淋巴细胞呈α-醋酸萘酚酯酶(ANAE)阳性, 呈过碘酸-雪夫(PAS)、氯乙酸AS-D萘酚酯酶(AS-DCE)弱阳性, 呈苏丹黑B(SBB)、酸性磷酸酶(ACP)、碱性磷酸酶(AKP)及过氧化物酶(POX)阴性; 单核细胞呈POX、ACP强阳性, PAS、SBB、AS-DCE和ANAE为阳性, 呈AKP阴性; 嗜中性粒细胞除PAS和ANAE为弱阳性外, 其他染色结果和单核细胞相同; 嗜酸性粒细胞呈POX、ANAE强阳性, SBB、ACP阳性, PAS及AS-DCE则为弱阳性, 呈AKP阴性; 血栓细胞呈PAS、AS-DCE及ANAE弱阳性, 呈SBB、ACP、AKP及POX阴性。团头鲂外周血细胞的显微结构及细胞化学特征与其他鱼类具有相似之处, 但亦有其明显的物种特异性。该研究结果可作为监测团头鲂健康状态的依据, 为其养殖及病理诊断提供基础资料。     

红腹锦鸡肾的组织结构及EGFR、TGF-β、AQP-2在肾脏中的表达

为了解红腹锦鸡肾脏的结构特征,观察表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)、转化生长因子-β(TGF-β)、水通道蛋白-2(AQP-2)在肾脏中的表达情况,应用组织学方法及免疫组织化学方法,观察了5只红腹锦鸡肾脏的组织结构,检测了EGFR、TGF-β(TGF-β1,TGF-β2,TGF-β3)、AQP-2在肾中的表达。结果表明:红腹锦鸡肾脏主要由许多肾单位、集合管和少量结缔组织组成。肾单位是肾脏功能结构的基本单位,它由一个肾小体和一个与其连接的上皮性肾小管构成。血管球由一团迂回盘曲的毛细血管丛构成,结构简单;肾小囊足细胞的突起与毛细血管内皮细胞及基膜紧密相贴,三者构成肾小体的滤过屏障;近端小管由单层立方上皮组成,上皮细胞游离面有许多微绒毛,细胞界限不明显,侧面有许多指状突起彼此交错,质膜内褶较少;远端小管上皮细胞基底面有丰富的质膜内褶;集合管上皮细胞有明细胞和暗细胞两种类型;近端小管上皮细胞呈EGFR、TGF-β免疫反应阳性,集合管上皮细胞呈AQP-2免疫反应阳性。EGFR、TGF-β、AQP-2可能发挥着不同的功能,对肾单位的构筑、肾小管和集合管结构的稳定以及肾脏水的平衡等可能有重要的调节作用。     

鸡肾发生的组织学观察

采用组织学方法和电镜技术,对9个不同发育时期的鸡(Callus domestiaus)胚胎进行了观察.通过对鸡胚胎肾组织发生过程的观察,探讨鸡胚中肾的发生与退化,后肾的发生、分化规律和特点.结果表明,孵育到第16期在中肾前端附近出现一些中肾小泡.孵育到第18期形成中肾小管.孵育到第26期,中肾小管的盲端内陷,原始的肾小囊和肾血管球形成,中肾小管显著伸长并迂回曲折.孵育到第33～37期,体前后部中肾组织均已形成完整的肾单位.第37～46期体前部至后部的中肾组织依次退化.孵育到第26期从泄殖腔附近发出的输尿管芽向生后肾组织侵入生长,生后.肾组织产生许多生后肾小泡.第33期出现肾小囊和肾小管,肾小管伸长并发生折叠,出现集合小管、近端小管和远端小管的形态分化.第37～46期肾小体逐渐发育成熟,肾小管继续分化出现细段.鸡的中肾具有排泄功能.鸡后肾的发生与分化存在明显的时间差异.肾单位的分化中,同一胚龄肾组织内可存在不同发育阶段的肾小体,集合小管分化较早,诱导近端小管和远端小管分化,细段分化较迟.     

贝氏高原鳅泌尿系统显微和超微结构

贝氏高原鳅(Triplophysa bleekeri)泌尿系统由中肾、输尿管、膀胱构成。头肾极小。中肾组织在前中后三部分中无明显差异,也无功能分区的现象。成体中肾组织中除大量成熟肾单位外,还发现少量发生中的肾单位和少量解体中的肾单位。成熟肾单位的肾小体为典型的淡水真骨鱼类肾小体,肾小管分化为第一近端小管(PⅠ)、第二近端小管(PⅡ)和远端小管(D)。PⅠ、PⅡ段上皮为单层柱状上皮,上皮细胞管腔游离面具有丰富的刷状缘和9 2式纤毛。D段为单层矮柱状上皮或单层立方上皮,管腔游离面无刷状缘,也无纤毛。输尿管前、后段组织结构有明显差异。膀胱为不发达的输尿管膀胱。斯坦尼斯小体2枚。     

Nephron structure and immunohistochemical localization of ion pumps and aquaporins in the kidney of frogs inhabiting different environments

Amphibians inhabit areas ranging from completely aqueous to terrestrial environments and move between water and land. The kidneys of all anurans are similar at the gross morphological level: the structure of their nephrons is related to habitat. According to the observation by light and electron microscopy, the cells that make up the nephron differ among species. Immunohistochemical studies using antibodies to various ATPases showed a significant species difference depending on habitat. The immunoreactivity for Na+,K(+)-ATPase was low in the proximal tubules but high in the basolateral membranes of early distal tubules to collecting ducts in all species. In the proximal tubule, apical membranes of the cells were slightly immunoreactive to H(+)-ATPase antibody in aquatic species. In the connecting tubule and the collecting duct, the apical membrane of intercalated cells was immunoreactive in all species. In aquatic species, H+,K(+)-ATPase immunoreactivity was observed in cell along the proximal, distal tubule to the collecting duct. However, H+,K(+)-ATPase was present along the intercalated cells of the distal segments from early distal to collecting tubules in terrestrial and semi-aquatic species. In the renal corpuscle, the neck segment and the intermediate segment, immunoreactivities to ion pumps were not observed in any of the species examined. Taking together our observations, we conclude that in the aquatic species, a large volume of plasma must be filtered in a large glomerulus and the ultrafiltrate components are reabsorbed along a large and long proximal segment of the nephron. Control of tubular transport may be poorly developed when a small short distal segment of the nephron is observed. On the contrary, terrestrial species have a long and well-developed distal segment and regulation mechanisms of tubular transport may have evolved in these segments. Thus, the development of the late distal segments of the nephron is one of the important factors for the terrestrial adaptation.     

Na+,K+ pump and Na+-coupled ion carriers in isolated mammalian kidney epithelial cells: regulation by protein kinase C.

This review updates our current knowledge on the regulation of Na+/H+ exchanger, Na+,K+,Cl- cotransporter, Na+,Pi cotransporter, and Na+,K+ pump in isolated epithelial cells from mammalian kidney by protein kinase C (PKC). In cells derived from different tubule segments, an activator of PKC, 4beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), inhibits apical Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE3), Na+,Pi cotransport, and basolateral Na+,K+ cotransport (NKCCl) and augments Na+,K+ pump. In PMA-treated proximal tubules, activation of Na+,K+ pump probably plays a major role in increased reabsorption of salt and osmotically obliged water. In Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, which are highly abundant with intercalated cells from the collecting duct, PMA completely blocks Na+,K+,Cl- cotransport and decreases the activity of Na+,Pi cotransport by 30-40%. In these cells, agonists of P2 purinoceptors inhibit Na+,K+,Cl- and Na+,Pi cotransport by 50-70% via a PKC-independent pathway. In contrast with MDCK cells, in epithelial cells derived from proximal and distal tubules of the rabbit kidney, Na+,K+,Cl- cotransport is inhibited by PMA but is insensitive to P2 receptor activation. In proximal tubules, PKC-induced inhibition of NHE3 and Na+,Pi cotransporter can be triggered by parathyroid hormone. Both PKC and cAMP signaling contribute to dopaminergic inhibition of NHE3 and Na+,K+ pump. The receptors triggering PKC-mediated activation of Na+,K+ pump remain unknown. Recent data suggest that the PKC signaling system is involved in abnormalities of dopaminergic regulation of renal ion transport in hypertension and in the development of diabetic complications. The physiological and pathophysiological implications of PKC-independent regulation of renal ion transporters by P2 purinoceptors has not yet been examined.     

Structure of the kidney in the crab-eating frog, Rana cancrivora

The structure of the nephron in the ranid frog, Rana cancrivora, was studied by light and electron microscopy. This frog is the only amphibian species to live in mangrove swamps of very high salinity. The nephron consists of the following parts: renal corpuscle, ciliated neck segment, proximal tubule, ciliated intermediate segment, distal tubule, connecting tubule, and collecting duct. The distal tubule is located in the ventromedial region of the kidney, and the other tubules are situated in the dorsolateral region. Renal corpuscles are found between the two regions. Some renal corpuscles have a wide Bowman's space because of the small glomerulus within them. The proximal tubules are composed of columnar cells with a dense luminal brush border of long microvilli and numerous apical vesicles and vacuoles. The initial part of the distal tubule consists of heavily interdigitated cells, characterized by a very regular palisade arrangement of mitochondria. In the terminal part of the distal tubule, shorter mitochondria of the infolding cells are situated irregularly around the nucleus. The connecting tubule consists of principal cells and canaliculus cells. The collecting duct consists of columnar or cuboidal cells; cytoplasmic organelles are relatively sparse. The canaliculus cells are intercalated between principal cells from the terminal distal tubule to the proximal part of the collecting duct. Our findings indicate that the kidney of R. cancrivora is structurally similar to kidneys of other amphibians. These findings are discussed with regard to probable correlations between ultrastructure and function in R. cancrivora.     

Immunohistochemical identification of tubular segments in percutaneous renal biopsies

Summary To identify the renal cortical tubular segments involved in tubulo-interstitial disease in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded percutaneous kidney biopsies, we developed multiple immunolabeling protocols using segment-specific tubular markers. The present study of biopsies from patients with minimal change or thin basement membrane nephropathy provides a baseline for interpretation of histopathology. Proximal tubules were stained either by the PAS reaction or by the biotinylated Phaseolus vulgaris erythroagglutinin (PHA-E)-streptavidin-gold-silver system (brush borders black). The anti-Tamm-Horsfall (THP) antibody-immunoperoxidase (aminoethylcarbazole, AEC-IPO), and anti-epidermal cytokeratins (ECK) antibodies-immunoalkaline-Fast Blue BB methods marked the distal straight tubules and the cortical collecting system red-brown and blue, respectively. When these immunolabelings were combined, the coapplication of AEC-PO-labeled peanut agglutinin (PNA) or anti-epithelial membrane antigen antibody-AEC-IPO technique (both are markers for distal nephron) visualized the apical membranes of distal convoluted tubules. In the protocol PHA-E + PNA + THP + ECK, the tubular basement membranes were outlined by the anti-laminin antibody-AEC-IPO staining, carried out simultaneously. The protocol PNA + THP + ECK + PAS was found to be a quite appropriate multiple immunolabeling method for the tubules, and is recommended for use as a tool in the study of tubulo-interstitial diseases.Abbreviations PAS periodic acid-Schiff reaction - PHAE Phaseolus vulgaris erythroagglutinin - PNA Peanut agglutinin - EMA epithelial membrane antigen - THP Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein - ECK epidermal cytokeratins - PO peroxidase - Biot-PHA-E biotinylated PHA-E - APAAP complexes of alkaline phosphatase and mouse monoclonal anti-alkaline phosphatase - SWARI swine anti-rabbit immunoglobulins - FCS fetal calf serum - TBS Tris-buffered saline - AEC aminoethylcarbazole - DAB diaminobenzidine - FBBB Fast Blue BB - IA immunoalkaline - GL glomerulus - PT proximal tubule - DST distal straight tubule - DCT distal convoluted tubule - CCS cortical collecting system - CT connecting tubule - CD collecting duct     

Morphogenesis and histochemistry of the developing mouse kidney

A morphological and histochemical investigation was conducted on the pronephros and mesonephros of the mouse embryo from 8.5 through 16.5 days. The pronephros appeared between days 8.5 and 9.5 as a thickening of the somatic layer of the intermediate cell mass. It consisted of three small clusters of cells on either side of the midline dorsally between the somite and the coelom, at the level of somites 8 and 9. The mesonephros arose during day 9 and persisted until day 16. In the male the anterior three tubules were incorporated into the testis at 15.5–16.5 days. The mesonephros consisted of approximately 11 tubules located between somites 10–17. The tubules possessed lumina and connected with the Wolffian duct. Indications of internal and external glomeruli were noted on day 11. The Wolffian duct reached the cloaca at ten days. Strong alkaline phosphatase activity was noted in the differentiating tubules. Cytoplasmic and luminal enzyme activity was observed between 9.3 and 12.5 days indicating possible function at this time. Acid phosphatase was demonstrable in the tubules and duct only on day 11. Ribonucleic acid was observed in the nuclei and cytoplasm of the mesodermal cells as they differentiated into tubules and duct. A decrease in RNA was noted after differentiation was complete. Periodic acid-Schiff material (diastase-stable) was localized in the basement membrane of the tubule and duct cells. A faint positive reaction was also found at the luminal border of the tubules. The strongest reaction was noted in the luminal border at 11.5–12.5 days. Those tubules being incorporated into the genital system in the male were also PAS positive. Morphological and histochemical evidence suggested that the mouse mesonephros, though quasi vestigial, may function for a short time.     

Separation of renal medullary cells: isolation of cells from the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop

A homogeneous population of single cells from the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TALH) has been isolated from the rabbit kidney medulla. A total medullary cell suspension was prepared by a series of collagenase, hyaluronidase, and trypsin digestions and separated on a Ficoll gradient (2.6-30.7% wt/wt). Morphologically, the cells isolated from the TALH were homogeneous and showed polarity within their plasma membrane structure, with a few blunt microvilli on their apical surface and deep infoldings of the basal-lateral membrane. Biochemically, the TALH cells were highly enriched in calcitonin-sensitive adenylate cyclase and Na, K-ATPase. Alkaline phosphatase and arginine vasopressin- sensitive adenylate cyclase, highly concentrated in proximal tubule and collecting duct, were present only in low concentrations in the TALH cells. Additionally, furosemide, a diuretic inhibiting sodium chloride transport in the TALH in vivo, inhibited oxygen consumption of the TALH cells in a dose-dependent manner. The TALH cells were viable, as judged by morphological appearance, trypan blue exclusion, the response of oxygen consumption to 2,4-dinitrophenol, succinate and ouabain, and the cellular Na, K and ATP levels.     

Localization of carbonic anhydrase activity in the vertebrate nephron

Synopsis The localization of carbonic anhydrase activity in the vertebrate nephron has been examined with particular reference to the proximal tubule and collecting duct. In all species studied, activity was present in the proximal tubular epithelium. In the pigeon and turtle, distinctive and similar patterns of staining were observed in the glomerulus and first portion of the proximal tubule. In the rat and rhesus monkey, the entire proximal tubule exhibited activity; in these species it has been shown previously with micropuncture techniques that there is a high absorptive capacity of this nephron segment for bicarbonate. In contrast, large portions of the dog proximal tubule were inactive; similar studies in this animal have shown tubular concentrations of bicarbonate only slightly lower than plasma levels. In the rat and dog, the entire length of the collecting duct was diffusely and intensely active; in contrast, pigeon collecting duct showed no activity. An alternating pattern of inactive and intensely active cells was observed in the collecting ducts of the toad, turtle, rabbit and monkey. A similar pattern has been described in the turtle and toad bladder, tissues utilized forin vitro studies of ion transport and H⁺ secretion.     

Carbonic anhydrase in the monkey kidney

The distribution of carbonic anhydrase in the kidney of the cynomolgus monkey was studied by the histochemical method of Hansson. Glomeruli and Bowman's capsule were inactive. Convoluted proximal tubules showed high enzyme activity at the brush border and the basolateral membranes and the cytoplasm. Straight proximal tubules were less intensely stained. In nephrons with long loops of Henle, the descending thin limb contained weak enzyme activity, whereas the ascending thin limb was inactive. The thick limb of Henle's loop displayed most enzyme activity at the luminal cell border. In distal convoluted tubules enzyme activity was restricted to the basal part of the cells. In the late distal tubule, intercalated cells appeared among the "ordinary" distal cells and contained abundant cytoplasmic enzyme. Many intensely stained intercalated cells were also found in the cortical and outer medullary segments of the collecting duct, intermingled with more weakly stained chief cells. In the inner medullary segment of the collecting duct, enzyme activity gradually disappeared. Many capillaries were clearly stained for enzyme activity. The capillary staining apparently varied with that of the kidney tubules; virtually all capillaries in the cortex, but very few in the inner medulla, were stained. The distribution of carbonic anhydrase in the kidney tubules of the monkey is very similar to that in man and in the rat, but the primate kidney differs from the rat kidney by the presence of capillary enzyme activity. The functional importance of this difference is not clear at present.     

Morphometric parameters of nutria kidney structures in postnatal ontogeny

Data on the morphometric parameters of the renal corpuscle, renal tubules, and collecting ducts of male and female nutrias in postnatal ontogenesis were obtained. It was found that the area of the renal corpuscle, glomerulus, the cavity and lumen of the capsule, and the proximal tubule diameter in the right and left kidney of female and male nutrias in the first year of life increase. The distal tubule diameter also increases; however, the dynamics of its changes becomes sinuous after 4.5 months. The collecting duct diameter varies depending on gender, age, and renal topography. The nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio in the cells of proximal and distal tubules and collecting ducts changes in a sinuous manner and depends on the gender and age of nutrias. The minimum mean value of the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio was found in the proximal tubule cells in the left kidney of 12-month-old female nutrias (0.162 ± 0.002), and the maximum value was found in the distal tubule cells in the left kidney of newborn male nutrias (0.435 ± 0.007).     

Oxidative enzymes in the urinary apparatus of several freshwater fishes

Synopsis The distribution and activities of several oxidative enzymes in the urinary apparatus of five freshwater fish species (river lamprey, lobe finned eel, Prussian carp, rainbow trout and three-spined stickleback) have been studied. Species were selected from three main taxonomic groups: Cyclostomata, Polypterini, Teleostei. Distinctly positive enzyme reactions were only found in the tubular elements of the kidney and the collecting duct-archinephric duct system, with the exception of the generally weak staining intensities of lactate dehydrogenase. The distal tubule normally showed strong to very strong reactions for most of the enzymes investigated. In the epithelial cells of the collecting tubule-collecting duct system, stronger reactions were observed for most of the mitochondrial-bound enzymes, especially succinate dehydrogenase and NADH-diaphorase. For these enzymes, the cells of the archinephric duct reacted strongly positive in Lampetra, Carassius and Gasterosteus.The enzyme patterns of various types of urinary tubules and ducts are compared with results of several morphological studies. In addition, the histochemical findings are discussed in relation to kidney function in different vertebrate groups.