Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2025

An Efficient Sieving Method to Isolate Intact Glomeruli from Adult Rat Kidney
Published on: November 1, 2018
The unique structural and functional characteristics of glomerular endothelial cell fenestrations and their potential
Natalie C Finch1,2, Chris R Neal1, Gavin I Welsh1
1Bristol Renal, University of Bristol, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Glomerular endothelial cell (GEnC) fenestrations are a critical component of the glomerular filtration barrier. Their unique nondiaphragmed structure is key to their function in glomerular hydraulic permeability, and their aberration in disease can contribute to loss of glomerular filtration function. This review provides a comprehensive update of current understanding of the regulation and biogenesis of fenestrae. We consider diseases in which GEnC fenestration loss is recognized or may play a role and discuss methods with potential to facilitate the study of these critical structures. Literature is drawn from GEnCs as well as other fenestrated cell types such as liver sinusoidal endothelial cells that most closely parallel GEnCs.
Related Concept Videos
Glomerular Filtration
Components of the Filtration Membrane
The filtration process involves three key layers: the glomerular endothelial cells, the basement membrane, and the podocyte-formed filtration slits.
Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
Drug Elimination by Renal Route: Glomerular Filtration
Nephrons
Glomerular Filtration Rate and its Regulation
GFR regulation involves two primary intrinsic controls: the myogenic and tubuloglomerular feedback mechanisms.
The myogenic...
Renal Drug Excretion: Glomerular Filtration
Drugs gain access to the kidney via the renal artery, which progressively branches off into afferent arterioles....

