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Desmin-positive epithelial cells outgrowing from rat encapsulated glomeruli
E Yaoita1, T Yamamoto, M Saito
1Department of Pathology, Niigata University School of Medicine, Japan.
European Journal of Cell Biology
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Polygonal epithelial cells in kidney cultures primarily originate from parietal epithelial cells of Bowman's capsule, with some also derived from tubular fragments. These cells exhibit distinct cytoskeletal protein expressions, including vimentin and cytokeratins.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cell Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Polygonal epithelial cells in glomerular outgrowths are of uncertain origin.
- Understanding their source is crucial for kidney research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the origin of polygonal epithelial cells in glomerular outgrowths.
- To characterize these cells using immunofluorescence microscopy and cytoskeletal markers.
Main Methods:
- Culturing decapsulated glomeruli, encapsulated glomeruli, and tubular fragments.
- Utilizing double-label immunofluorescence microscopy with antibodies against cytoskeletal proteins (vimentin, desmin, cytokeratins, alpha-smooth muscle actin).
Main Results:
- Polygonal cells predominantly outgrew from encapsulated glomeruli and tubular fragments.
- Cells from encapsulated glomeruli showed varying vimentin, desmin, cytokeratin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin expression.
- Cells from tubular fragments were cytokeratin-positive and desmin-negative.
- Parietal epithelial cells expressed desmin in culture, unlike in kidney sections.
Conclusions:
- Polygonal cells in glomerular cultures mainly derive from parietal epithelial cells, not visceral cells.
- Tubular epithelial cells also contribute polygonal cells to cultures.
- Parietal cells exhibit desmin expression in culture, suggesting phenotypic plasticity.