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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

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Assessment of Kidney Function in Mouse Models of Glomerular Disease
Published on: June 30, 2018
The renal glomerulus and vasculature in 'aggregation' chimeric mice
Vincent H Gattone1, Daniel Goldowitz
1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. gattone@anatomy.iupui.edu
Nephron
|February 28, 2002
Summary
This study used chimeric mouse kidneys to investigate glomerular development. Findings suggest angiogenesis contributes cells to the glomerular capillary endothelium, supporting a dual origin for intrarenal arteries.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Nephrology
- Genetics
Background:
- Glomerular epithelium originates from the S-shaped renal vesicle.
- The origin of glomerular capillary endothelium (vasculogenesis vs. angiogenesis) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular origins of glomerular capillary endothelium and intrarenal arteries using a chimeric mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Created interspecies aggregate chimeras from Mus musculus and Mus caroli embryos.
- Utilized species-specific DNA clones and in situ hybridization to trace cell origins.
Main Results:
- Identified regions where renal epithelia and vascular endothelium/interstitial cells were from different species.
- Glomeruli showed cell admixtures, with endothelial cells often matching vascular/interstitial cell origin, supporting angiogenesis.
- Intrarenal arteries displayed distinct endothelial and smooth muscle cell origins.
Conclusions:
- Angiogenesis likely contributes cells to the glomerular capillary endothelium.
- Intrarenal arterial development involves distinct origins for endothelium and smooth muscle.
- The aggregation chimeric mouse kidney is a valuable model for studying kidney development.

