Quantification of glomerular number and size distribution in normal rat kidneys using magnetic resonance imaging

Heilmann, Melanie; Neudecker, Sabine; Wolf, Ivo; Gubhaju, Lina; Sticht, Carsten; Schock-Kusch, Daniel; Kriz, Wilhelm; Bertram, John F.; Schad, Lothar R.; Gretz, Norbert

doi:10.1093/ndt/gfr273

Cited by 62 publications

(70 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…These findings show that despite the comparable body weight of the Persian squirrel and rat, their kidney weight and kidney volume are significantly different (P = 0.047). Moreover, the glomeruli of the Persian squirrel in our study are significantly (P = 0.002) larger (11 ± 0.81 9 10 -4 mm 3 ) than those reported in the rat (6.72 ± 0.98 9 10 -4 mm 3 ; Heilmann et al 2012). According to these results, the larger filtration surface area of the Persian squirrel may provide certain adaptive advantages as the GFR is basically dependent on the external surface area of glomeruli.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 62%

Stereological assessment of normal Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus) kidney

2016

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The functions of the mammalian kidney are closely related to its structure. This suggests that renal function can be completely characterized by accurate knowledge of its quantitative morphological features. The aim of this study was to investigate the histomorphometric features of the kidney using design-based and unbiased stereological methods in the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus), which is the only representative of the Sciuridae family in the Middle East. The left kidneys of five animals were examined. Total volume of the kidney, cortex, and medulla were determined to be 960.75 ± 87.4, 754.31 ± 77.09 and 206.1 ± 16.89 mm, respectively. The glomerular number was 32844.03 ± 1069.19, and the total glomerular volume was estimated to be 36.7 ± 1.45 mm. The volume and length of the proximal convoluted tubule were estimated at 585.67 ± 60.7 mm and 328.8 ± 14.8 m, respectively, with both values being greater than those reported in the rat kidney. The volume and length of the distal convoluted tubule were calculated at 122.34 ± 7.38 mm and 234.4 ± 17.45 m, respectively, which are also greater than those reported in the rat kidney. Despite the comparable body weight, the total number and mean individual volume of glomeruli in the Persian squirrel kidney were greater than those in the rat kidney. Overall, the stereological variables of the kidneys elucidated in this study are exclusive to the Persian squirrel. Our findings, together with future renal physiological data, will contribute to a better understanding of the renal structure-function relationship in the Persian squirrel.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 62%

Stereological assessment of normal Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus) kidney

2016

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“…However, it has recently been shown possible to estimate nephron numbers quite reliably by the use of a 9.4 Tesla MRI in embedded kidneys, which shows that techniques are progressing towards nephron number estimation in vivo [23]. …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adult Renal Size is Not a Suitable Marker for Nephron Numbers: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis

Bueters

Kar

Schreuder

2013

Kidney Blood Press Res

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Background: Renal size is often used as a marker for nephron numbers as estimation of glomerular numbers is not yet possible in vivo. However, the validity of an association between the two is questionable. As a proper marker for nephron number in an individual is needed in clinical practice, this study was designed to assess the association between renal size and nephron numbers. Methods: An individual patient data meta-analysis was performed on data retrieved with a PubMed and Embase search. Only studies were included that described individual human data on kidney size and nephron numbers determined by stereology, the gold standard methodology to estimate nephron numbers. As renal size increases until the end of puberty, and nephron numbers decline after the age of 60 years, only data from individuals aged 18-60 years without renal disease were included. Results: Six papers were identified that provided data on renal weight and nephron numbers from 114 individuals. Backward linear regression identified kidney weight and race as the only 2 significant factors explaining nephron numbers (R square 0.085, p=0.007). Controlling for race, there was a significant correlation between nephron number and kidney weight (r=0.231, r square=0.053, p=0.01). Conclusion: These data indicate that only ∼5% of the variation in nephron numbers is explained by differences in renal size. Renal size in adulthood should not be used as a marker for nephron numbers in an individual.

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“…53,54 This method is based on the observation that labeling glomeruli with cationic ferritin (CF) in vivo allows for the whole-kidney detection of each labeled glomerulus. Although the total MRI-based count is lower than the stereological count, the error is within 10%.…”

Section: Determining Factors Of the Nephron Numbermentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors associated with a vicious cycle involving a low nephron number, hypertension and chronic kidney disease

et al. 2015

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It has been reported that there is substantial variation in the nephron number between individuals. Previous studies using autopsy kidneys have demonstrated that a low nephron number, in relation to a low birth weight, may result in hypertension (HTN) and/or chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, recent studies have revealed that the association between a low nephron number and HTN is not a universal finding. This observation indicates that a low nephron number is unlikely to be the sole factor contributing to an elevated blood pressure. In addition to the nephron number, various genetic and congenital factors may contribute to increased susceptibility to HTN and/or CKD in a complex manner. Acquired factors, including aging, obesity and related metabolic abnormalities, and various causes of renal injury, may additionally promote further nephron loss. Such a vicious cycle may induce HTN and/or CKD via the common mechanisms of renal hemodynamic maladaptation.

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Quantification of glomerular number and size distribution in normal rat kidneys using magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract: MRI provides a new method for measuring these important microanatomical markers of disease risk and leads the way to in vivo analysis of these parameters, including longitudinal studies of animal models of CKD.

Cited by 62 publications

References 23 publications

Stereological assessment of normal Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus) kidney

Stereological assessment of normal Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus) kidney

Adult Renal Size is Not a Suitable Marker for Nephron Numbers: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis

Factors associated with a vicious cycle involving a low nephron number, hypertension and chronic kidney disease

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