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Proximal tubule tendrils: fact or artefact
The American Journal of Anatomy
|July 1, 1976
Summary
Investigating rat kidney proximal tubules, this study found that tendrils are artifacts of poor tissue fixation, not true structures. They appear when perfusion pressure fluctuates, indicating fixation issues rather than anatomical features.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Renal Histology
- Microscopy Techniques
Background:
- Previous studies using scanning electron microscopy reported "tendrils" on rat kidney proximal tubule surfaces.
- Conflicting findings existed regarding the presence and nature of these structures, with some researchers unable to replicate the observations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-investigate the perfusion procedure used to observe tendrils in rat kidney proximal tubules.
- To determine the true nature of these reported tendrils and their relationship to tissue fixation and preparation.
Main Methods:
- Replication of the perfusion procedure described by Andrews and Porter ('74).
- Careful observation of proximal tubule morphology under scanning electron microscopy.
- Analysis of tissue fixation quality in relation to the presence of tendrils.
Main Results:
- Tendrils were observed exclusively in regions exhibiting characteristics of poor tissue fixation.
- Tendrils were particularly prominent following fluctuations in perfusion pressure, leading to tubule expansion.
- These structures were seen throughout the proximal convoluted tubule, not limited to the initial portion.
Conclusions:
- The reported tendrils are artifacts resulting from inadequate tissue fixation during the perfusion process.
- Fluctuations in perfusion pressure can exacerbate the appearance of these fixation artifacts.
- The findings challenge the interpretation of tendrils as genuine anatomical structures of the proximal tubule.