[Application of transmission and scanning electron microscopy in experimental obstructive uropathy: II. Tubular...

The morfoestructural changes that appear at renal tubule level in obstructive uropathy consist in a progressive loss of the differentiations in the plasmatic membrane: reduction in the number of apical microvilli and of basal invaginations, which entails a drop in the exchange surface area. Degeneration and cellular necrosis phenomena also exist, with the appearance of cell traces in the tubule lumen. On the other hand, morphological signs of a rapid rate of cellular activity in the tubule cells are displayed. Together with the modifications that take place at basal membrane level these changes give rise to an alteration of tubule dynamics.