Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Implementing Patch Clamp and Live Fluorescence Microscopy to Monitor Functional Properties of Freshly Isolated PKD Epithelium
Published on: September 1, 2015
Tubular lipidosis: epiphenomenon or pathogenetic lesion in human renal disease?
1Department of Nephrology and Transplantation, Royal Free Hospital, London, England, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Tubular lipidosis is a commonly observed histological lesion in proteinuric renal diseases. We have studied the interaction between native and modified human lipoproteins and human renal proximal tubular cells to investigate whether lipoproteins could be injurious to tubular cells in culture. Human renal proximal tubular cells were cultured and characterized by established methods. Preliminary studies showed that these cells could take up and degrade normal human lipoproteins by high affinity (HDL) and low affinity (LDL) pathways. In subconfluent culture, native lipoproteins, that is, LDL, HDL2 and HDL3, had markedly different effects on cell growth as measured by 3H-thymidine uptake and total cell protein as compared to modified lipoproteins such as minimally modified and oxidized LDL. In addition, we found that renal tubular cells could oxidized native LDL in the presence of copper largely by a superoxide-mediated mechanism. Finally, cellular accumulation of lipid was demonstrated in vitro by incubating cultured cells with varying lipoprotein concentrations for up to 48 hours. Notably, cell detachment was observed only with high concentrations of modified LDL especially with minimally modified LDL. We speculate that uptake and oxidation of filtered LDL by tubular cells may lead to tubular injury in nephrotic states.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Elimination by Renal Route: Tubular Secretion
Nephrons
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 capillaries...
Renal Tubule and Collecting Duct
Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT):
The PCT is the initial segment of the renal tubule, extending from the Bowman's capsule that encloses the glomerulus. Its convoluted structure and microvilli-lined cells increase the surface area for reabsorption. The PCT reabsorbs glucose, amino acids, sodium, and water from the filtrate, ensuring essential...
Renal Drug Excretion: Tubular Secretion
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

