In this paper we present the expandability and flexibility features of the VEGA program (downloadable free of charge at http://www.ddl.unimi.it), for the development of custom applications, using it as a multipurpose graphical environment. VEGA can be customized using both plug-in architecture and script programming. The first is useful to add new features and functions, using homemade routines, written with the VEGA Plug-in Development Kit (SDK). With the second approach it is possible to design scripts in VEGA, using the REBOL language, in order to (1) add new functions or customize existing ones; (2) automate common procedures; and (3) allow network communications, by creating a bridge between VEGA and other applications (or other PCs) through the TCP/IP protocol.

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Glomerulonephritis (GN) isM esenchymal stem cells (MSC) hold special promise for renal repair, because nephrons are largely of mesenchymal origin (1). The potential of MSC for renal repair has been shown in rodent models of acute renal failure (ARF), where the course of glycerol, cisplatin, or ischemia-reperfusion induced ARF was improved by MSC injection shortly after disease induction (2-5). In addition, we recently reported that injection of rat MSC into a renal artery can accelerate recovery from mesangiolytic damage and prevent transient ARF in rat anti-Thy1.1 glomerulonephritis (GN) (6). AntiThy1.1 nephritis is a model of acute mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis and is characterized by initial mesangiolysis followed within a few days by glomerular repair via endothelial and mesangial cell proliferation and accumulation of mesangial matrix. We have also provided evidence that MSC likely exerted these effects in glomeruli by paracrine effects, such as the release of high amounts of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and TGF-␤1 rather than by differentiation into resident glomerular cell types or monocytes/macrophages (6).In this study, we investigated the long-term effects of MSC administration in early anti-Thy1.1 nephritis. Normally, antiThy1.1 nephritis in rats follows a self-limited course, and spontaneous restitution of the glomerular architecture can be observed within approximately 4 wk. For enhancement of the relevance of the model for progressive renal disease in humans, the model in this study was aggravated and transformed into a course of progressive renal failure by previous uninephrectomy of the rats (7,8). Materials and MethodsRats were housed under standard conditions in a light-, temperature-, and humidity-controlled environment with free access to tap water and standard rat diet. All animal protocols were approved by the local government authorities. Harvest and Culture of MSCInbred male Lewis rats that weighed 180 to 210 g (Harlan, Horst, Netherlands) served as bone marrow donors; MSC were prepared as described previously (6). Cells were seeded onto six-well plates (nine

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