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The granular peripolar cell of the human glomerulus: an ultrastructural study
D S Gardiner1, I A More, G B Lindop
1Department of Pathology, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland.
Journal of Anatomy
|June 1, 1986
Summary
Human kidneys contain granular peripolar cells with features of secretory epithelial cells. These cells possess numerous cytoplasmic granules and complex membrane invaginations, suggesting a role in kidney secretion.
Area of Science:
- Renal Histology
- Cell Biology
- Human Anatomy
Background:
- The cellular composition and function of the human kidney are crucial for understanding renal physiology.
- Peripolar cells, a specific cell type in the kidney, have not been extensively characterized at the ultrastructural level.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural characteristics of granular peripolar cells in normal human kidneys.
- To determine if these cells exhibit features indicative of secretory activity.
Main Methods:
- Examination of normal human kidney tissue.
- Utilized transmission electron microscopy to analyze cellular ultrastructure.
- Focused on identifying cytoplasmic granules and membrane structures within peripolar cells.
Main Results:
- Identified granular peripolar cells as a prominent feature in human kidneys.
- Observed numerous cytoplasmic, membrane-bound granules with a homogeneous matrix, resembling secretory granules.
- Detected complex cell membrane invaginations, but no instances of exocytosis.
Conclusions:
- The ultrastructural features of human peripolar cells strongly suggest they are secretory epithelial cells.
- These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of kidney cell differentiation and function.