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Three-Dimensional Ultrastructural Characterization of Fibroblastic/Stromal Cell Processes in Mouse Ureteral Lamina
Wiphawi Hipkaeo1, Keisuke Ohta2, Hisatake Kondo1,3
1Electron Microscopy Unit, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Muang, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Microscopy Research and Technique
|December 10, 2025
Summary
Fibroblast cell processes near the ureter epithelium, previously thought to be threads, are revealed as sheet-like structures. These findings offer new insights into cell morphology and function in the urinary tract.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Urology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Fibroblasts/stromal cells are crucial in tissue structure and function.
- Understanding the morphology of these cells, particularly their processes, is key to understanding tissue interactions.
- Previous studies using light microscopy had limited resolution for these fine structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructure of fibroblast/stromal cell processes near the epithelial base in the mouse ureter.
- To clarify the morphology of thin cell processes previously observed under light microscopy.
- To discuss the functional significance of newly identified sheet-like cell processes.
Main Methods:
- Array tomography for 3D reconstruction.
- Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) for ultrastructural analysis.
- Phase-contrast light microscopy for initial observation.
Main Results:
- Cell processes extending from fibroblast/stromal cell somata (primary processes) were largely sheet-like (secondary processes).
- The terminal portions of these processes (tertiary processes), 0.1 μm and smaller, were thread-formed and contacted the epithelial basal lamina.
- Ultrastructural 3D analysis revealed filmy sheet-like structures, not just threads, as previously assumed.
Conclusions:
- Fibroblast/stromal cell processes in the ureter lamina propria exhibit complex sheet-like morphologies.
- These sheet-like structures may play a significant role in cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions.
- The study highlights the importance of advanced imaging techniques in revealing previously overlooked cellular structures.
