Findings

podocyte (EP)
mesangial cell (MC)
capillary lumen (CL)
basal lamina (BM)
endothelial cell (EN)
erythrocyte (E)
Bowman's space (BS)

With transmission electron microscopy, the cellular detail of the renal corpuscle is further resolved. The glomerular capillary lumen containing erythrocytes is lined by an endothelium and covered by numerous processes (pedicels) of podocytes. Note the basal lamina between the endothelium and podocytes, and several mesangial cells within the glomerular matrix. Bowman's space is visible around the podocytes and their processes.

Comment

The filtration interface consists of a fenestrated endothelium, the interdigitating pedicels of the podocytes and the basal lamina produced by both. Mesangial cells are thought to maintain the functional integrity of the interface by phagocytotic removal of trapped material.

Preparation

Plastic section; uranyl acetate and lead citrate

View

Medium-power transmission electron microscopy

Specimen

Renal corpuscle

Image Credit

Katsumi M. Miyai, M.D., Ph.D
Department of Pathology
School of Medicine
University of California, San Diego