Papillary Ducts Research Articles

Identification and classification of epithelial cells in nephron segments by actin cytoskeleton patterns.

The basic functional unit in a kidney is the nephron, which is a long and morphologically segmented tubule. The nephron begins with a cluster of capillaries called glomerulus through which the blood is filtered into the Bowman's space. The filtrate flows through the nephron segments. During this flow, electrolytes and solutes are reabsorbed by channels and transport systems into the capillaries wrapped around the nephron. Many questions related to renal function focus on identifying the sites of expression of these systems. In this study, we mapped whole kidney sections by confocal microscopic imaging of fluorescent phalloidin, which binds to actin filaments. In tile scans (composed of hundreds of images) of these sections, the cortex and the medullary regions (outer and inner stripes of the outer medulla, and inner medulla) could be easily identified by their cytoskeletal patterns. At a higher resolution, we identified distinct features of the actin cytoskeleton in the apical, basal, and lateral borders of the cells. These features could be used to identify segments of a nephron (the proximal tubule, thin and thick segments of Henle's loop, and distal tubule), the collecting duct system, the papillary ducts in the papilla, and the urothelium that covers the pelvis. To verify our findings, we used additional markers, including aquaporin isoforms, cytokeratin 8‐18, and WGA lectin. This study highlights the power of high‐resolution confocal microscopy for identifying specific cell types using the simple probe of F‐actin‐binding phalloidin.

Intraluminal measurement of papillary duct urine pH, in vivo: a pilot study in the swine kidney.

We describe the in vivo use of an optic-chemo microsensor to measure intraluminal papillary duct urine pH in a large mammal. Fiber-optic pH microsensors have a tip diameter of 140-µm that allows insertion into papillary Bellini ducts to measure tubule urine proton concentration. Anesthetized adult pigs underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy to access the lower pole of the urinary collecting system. A flexible nephroscope was advanced towards an upper pole papilla with the fiber-optic microsensor contained within the working channel. The microsensor was then carefully inserted into Bellini ducts to measure tubule urine pH in real time. We successfully recorded tubule urine pH values in five papillary ducts from three pigs (1 farm pig and 2 metabolic syndrome Ossabaw pigs). Our results demonstrate that optical microsensor technology can be used to measure intraluminal urine pH in real time in a living large mammal. This opens the possibility for application of this optical pH sensing technology in nephrolithiasis.

Ureteropyeloscopic anatomy of the renal pelvis of the horse

Although the equine renal pelvis and terminal recesses have been described post mortem, little information exists about the endoscopic appearance of these structures in the living horse for guiding ureteropyeloscopy. To further document the anatomy of the upper urinary collecting system, specifically the renal pelvis and terminal recesses, of the horse. Descriptive study of cadaver material. Kidneys were harvested from 10 horses. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed after distension of the renal pelvis with an elastomer casting material, followed by visual inspection of corrosion casts. Transurethral ureteropyeloscopy of the upper urinary tract was performed in 4 horses, followed by histological and immunohistochemical examination of the renal medulla and pelvis of 3 animals. The equine renal pelvis was confirmed to be a funnel-shaped cavity, flattened dorsoventrally in the craniocaudal direction. Multiple papillary ducts (PDs) from the central part of the kidney open along a ∼3 cm long renal crest that protrudes into the renal pelvis, while PDs from each kidney pole open into 2 long (5-10 cm), narrow terminal recesses that terminate near either end of the renal crest. Openings of the terminal recesses narrow at their junction with the renal pelvis and could be visualised during ureteropyeloscopy in all horses. Minor anatomical variation of the renal crest and terminal recess openings was observed. Current endoscopic equipment can be used to visualise the renal pelvis but could not be advanced into the terminal recesses. The findings of this study will help guide future diagnostic and therapeutic ureteropyeloscopy.

Synchrotron-based DEI for bio-imaging and DEI-CT to image phantoms with contrast agents

The introduction of water, physiological, or iodine as contrast agents is shown to enhance minute image features in synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction radiographic and tomographic imaging. Anatomical features of rat kidney, such as papillary ducts, ureter, renal artery and renal vein are clearly distinguishable. Olfactory bulb, olfactory tact, and descending bundles of the rat brain are visible with improved contrast.

Estudo morfofuncional das glândulas mamárias de Mão Pelada, Procyon cancrivorus

Para a descrição macro e microscópica das glândulas mamárias foram utilizadas três fêmeas de Mão Pelada (Procyon cancrivorus). As amostras das glândulas foram processadas conforme técnicas rotineiras para histologia. As fêmeas estudadas apresentaram 3 pares de glândulas mamárias, sendo um par de glândula mamária abdominal cranial, um par de abdominal caudal e um par de inguinal. As papilas mamárias apresentaram formato pendular, como os canídeos domésticos. Microscopicamente, a glândula mamária apresentou da porção externa para a interna: epiderme (epitélio estratificado pavimentoso queratinizado), derme (tecido conjuntivo frouxo e tecido conjuntivo denso não modelado), fibras musculares lisas e ductos papilíferos que abrem em vários ósteos papilares em formato de "chuveiro". A porção secretora glandular era caracteristicamente túbulo alveolar, com células cuboidais dispostas em camada simples. Os resultados indicam que o conjunto glandular estudado é semelhante ao da cadela (Cannis familiaris) tanto em seu aspecto macroscópico quanto em seu aspecto microscópico, este fato sugere que podemos utilizar o Mão Pelada e o Cão como modelos similares de estudo, para identificação de patologias relacionadas a este sistema.

The Golf Ball–on-Tee Sign

The collecting tubules within the medullary pyramid come together to form the papillary ducts that penetrate the papillary tip and drain into a calyx. Normally, individual collecting tubules are not visualized; rather, the normal papilla has a distinctive blush that fades with time. In papillary necrosis, however, central necrosis and sloughing of the papilla create a cavity, which is occasionally large, that fills with contrast material and communicates with the calyceal concavity. Thus, the golf ball–on-tee sign is created, indicating necrosis.

Early Pathophysiological Features in Canine Renal Papillary Necrosis Induced by Nefiracetam

To ascertain the early pathophysiological features in canine renal papillary necrosis (RPN) caused by the neurotransmission enhancer nefiracetam, male beagle dogs were orally administered nefiracetam at 300 mg/kg/day for 4 to 7 weeks in comparison with ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), at 50 mg/kg/day for 5 weeks. During the dosing period, the animals were periodically subjected to laboratory tests, light-microscopic, immunohistochemical, and electron-microscopic examinations and/or cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA analysis. In laboratory tests, a decrease in urinary osmotic pressure and increases in urine volume and urinary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level were early biomarkers for detecting RPN. Light-microscopically, nefiracetam revealed epithelial swelling and degeneration in the papillary ducts in week 7, while ibuprofen displayed degeneration and necrosis in the papillary interstitium in week 5. In immunohistochemical staining with COX-2 antibody, nefiracetam elicited a positive reaction within interstitial cells around the affected epithelial cells in the papillary ducts (upper papilla) in week 7, and ibuprofen positively reacted within interstitial cells adjacent to the degenerative and/or necrotic lesions in week 5. Ultrastructurally, nefiracetam exhibited reductions of intracellular interdigitation and infoldings of epithelial cells in the papillary ducts, whereas ibuprofen showed no changes in the identical portions. Thus, the early morphological change in the papilla brought about by nefiracetam was quite different from that elicited by ibuprofen. By the renal papillary COX-2 mRNA expression analysis, nefiracetam exceedingly decreased its expression in week 4, but markedly increased it in week 7, suggesting an induction of COX-2 mRNA by renal papillary lesions. These results demonstrate that the epithelial cell in the papillary ducts is the primary target site for the onset of RPN evoked by nefiracetam.

Latent Infection of Canine Herpes Virus in Laboratory Beagle Dogs.

The latent infection of canine herpes virus was investigated in laboratory beagles with no clinical abnormalities. In eight of twenty-three male dogs which were purchased from the same breeder at the age of six months, the pathogen was confirmed at the age of one year by immunological, histopathological or electron-microscopical examinations. The infected beagles seemed to be healthy in several clinical examinations including blood- and serum-biochemical analyses. The neutralizing titer of the canine herpes virus antibody test ranged from 64 to 128, compared to the undetectable titer in animals obtained from a different breeder and housed in the same conditions. Histopathological examinations revealed eosinophilic inclusion bodies in the cytoplasm of swollen or damaged epithelium of renal papillary ducts, papilla, and/or pelvis accompanied by chronic pelvic inflammation. The inclusion bodies showed positive reaction against anti-human herpes simplex virus antigen. Electronmicroscopically, these inclusion bodies consisted of numerous intracytoplasmic aggregates of virion. The virion particles were round to hexagonal, the envelope or capsid about 140 nm in diameter and arranged in a fine crystalline array. This evidence strongly suggests that the virions were excreted from the body by urination. Although these animals were housed in our laboratory for about half a year, the other beagles housed in separate cages in the same room were not infected by the virus. The results show the importance of preventative measures against latent canine herpes virus infection and maintenance of laboratory conditions to avoid this problem.

Id-1 and Id-2 Are Overexpressed in Pancreatic Cancer and in Dysplastic Lesions in Chronic Pancreatitis

Id proteins antagonize basic helix-loop-helix proteins, inhibit differentiation, and enhance cell proliferation. In this study we compared the expression of Id-1, Id-2, and Id-3 in the normal pancreas, in pancreatic cancer, and in chronic pancreatitis (CP). Northern blot analysis demonstrated that all three Id mRNA species were expressed at high levels in pancreatic cancer samples by comparison with normal or CP samples. Pancreatic cancer cell lines frequently coexpressed all three Ids, exhibiting a good correlation between Id mRNA and protein levels, as determined by immunoblotting with highly specific anti-Id antibodies. Immunohistochemistry using these antibodies demonstrated the presence of faint Id-1 and Id-2 immunostaining in pancreatic ductal cells in the normal pancreas, whereas Id-3 immunoreactivity ranged from weak to strong. In the cancer tissues, many of the cancer cells exhibited abundant Id-1, Id-2, and Id-3 immunoreactivity. Scoring on the basis of percentage of positive cells and intensity of immunostaining indicated that Id-1 and Id-2 were increased significantly in the cancer cells by comparison with the respective controls. Mild to moderate Id immunoreactivity was also seen in the ductal cells in the CP-like areas adjacent to these cells and in the ductal cells of small and interlobular ducts in CP. In contrast, in dysplastic and atypical papillary ducts in CP, Id-1 and Id-2 immunoreactivity was as significantly elevated as in the cancer cells. These findings suggest that increased Id expression may be associated with enhanced proliferative potential of pancreatic cancer cells and of proliferating or dysplastic ductal cells in CP.

Experimental nephropathy by chronic administration of cocaine in rats

The recent and significant increase of cocaine abuse has emerged as a major public health problems. Cocaine abuse is frequently associated with multiorganic lesions, including renal failure. We report the light-microscopic features of the progression of renal lesions produced by chronic cocaine administration in rats. Male Wistar rats weighing 225–250 g were used. Twenty eight rats received an aqueous solution of cocaine hydrochloride (30 mg/kg/day i.p.) daily, while 28 control rats were injected i.p. daily with a saline solution. Rats from both groups were sacrificed after 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days of treatment. The histopathological study showed early changes on day 15, with damage to glomerular capillary walls and swelling of tubular epithelium, and lesions progressed to 90 days with development of glomerular atrophy and sclerosis. The tubular epithelial cells were necrotic and sloughed, and the lumen of papillary ducts contained destroyed red blood cell (RBC) casts. The interstitium had numerous foci of necrosis and haemorrhage. The results show that chronic treatment with cocaine in rats produce severe lesions both to glomerular, interstitium and tubular cells.

Highly polarized expression of carbohydrate-binding protein p33/41 (annexin IV) on the apical plasma membrane of epithelial cells in renal proximal tubules

p33/41 is a Ca 2+-dependent carbohydrate-binding protein and is identical to annexin IV, a member of the annexin protein family. The localization of p33/41 in bovine kidney specimens was investigated immununohistochemically by use of specific polyclonal antibodies. The most interesting finding on immunostaining was that p33/41 was highly concentrated in the apical plasma membrane of the epithelial cells in the proximal tubules contrary to the distribution throughout the cytoplasm in the papillary ducts and papilla epithelium. The enrichment of p33/41 m the apical membrane was confirmed by immunoblotting of the brush border membrane fraction prepared from a kidney homogenate. Sequential extraction with EDTA and Triton X-100, and a partition experiment with Triton X-114 revealed that most p33/41 associates with the renal brush border membrane in a Ca 2+-independent manner and is integrated into the membrane like intrinsic membrane proteins.

Bellini duct carcinoma: further evidence for this rare variant of renal cell carcinoma

Bellini duct carcinomas have recently been identified as a new entity in the spectrum of renal cell carcinomas and 10 cases have now been reported. The present paper adds detailed clinical and morphological data on six new cases. In addition, immunohistological and electronmicroscopical results support the origin of these tumours from the renal collecting ducts, especially the papillary ducts (Bellini ducts). A set of immunohistological reactions, including reactions to cytokeratins 13 and 19, vimentin and UEA-1 was found to facilitate the differential diagnosis of Bellini duct carcinomas from other renal cell carcinomas and infiltrating urothelial carcinomas of renal pelvis.

FIFTY TWO-WEEK CHRONIC ORAL TOXICITY STUDY OF MOFEZOLAC (N-22) IN RATS

Fifty two-week oral toxicity study of mofezolac (N-22), a new developed analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent, was carried out in Wistar rats with dose levels of 5, 20, 60 and 120 mg/kg/day, and the 5-week withdrawal was followed for recovery study. Hematuria, blanching of the skin and suppression of body weight gain were observed in females given 120 mg/kg, and 9 of these prostrated and died from week 20 to week 52, or were euthanized when moribund. These symptoms were not seen in males at any dose levels. In 120 mg/kg group, increased positive cases of fecal occult blood were observed during the administration period, and the pathological examination revealed gastrointestinal lesions such as erosion, ulcer, hemorrhage and mucosal regeneration in the small intestine. Renal disorder was also involved mainly in females given 120 mg/kg, as shown by increase in urine volume with declined osmotic pressure and specific gravity, serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, inorganic phosphorus, and other related parameters. In addition to enlargement, rough surface and scar formation, dilated tubular lumen and papillary ducts of the kidney were observed as a main lesion. Incidental findings with those disorders, observed mainly in females given 120 mg/kg, included increase in leucocytes with high neutrophils ratio, and enlargement of the spleen, adrenals and mesenteric lymph node. There were some of the similar gastrointestinal and renal changes mainly in females given 60 mg/kg. Anemic findings were noted in both sexes of 120 mg/kg and in females of 60 mg/kg group, and mainly females given 120 mg/kg showed increase in platelets, reticulocytes and fibrinogen, shortening of blood coagulation time, as well as extramedullary or accented hematopoiesis of the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Other serum biochemical changes observed mainly in females given 120 mg/kg were decrease or decreasing trend in total protein, A/G ratio, and transaminase activity. Fine structure of the liver from females given 20 mg/kg or more revealed cisternal dilatation of smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum of hepatocytes, and the increased liver weight was observed in females given 120 mg/kg. Accordingly, non-effective dose level of N-22 in 52-week chronic toxicity study was estimated to be 20 mg/kg for males and 5 mg/kg for females.

Immunohistochemical localization of copper-zinc and manganese superoxide dismutases in rat tissues.

Immunolocalization of both copper-zinc (CuZn) and manganese (Mn) superoxide dismutases (SODs) in various formalin-fixed rat tissues was investigated using the indirect immunoenzyme method. The optimal dilution was 1:10000 for rabbit anti-rat CuZnSOD and 1:5000 for anti-rat MnSOD antisera, respectively. The higher dilutions of the present antisera than those used in previous studies enabled a higher resolution of the present immunostaining because of a lower background staining. Neither SOD have been previously reported to be stained in eyeballs and brain. The following tissues were intensely stained for CuZnSOD: the fundic glands of the stomach, epithelium of the large intestine, tracheal and bronchial epithelia, liver parenchymal cells, proximal tubules and papillary ducts of the kidneys, pancreatic ducts and islets, zona glomerulosa of the adrenals, myocardial cells, ciliary bodies and pigment cell layers of retinas. On the other hand, the MnSOD reactivity was found to be rich in the following tissues: the gastric pits, epithelium of the small intestine, tracheal epithelium, Henle's loop and collecting ducts of the kidneys, zona fasciculata of the adrenals, ciliary bodies and inner plexiform layer of retinas, and cortical neurons. The surface epithelia of both gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts tended to have high reactivities for both SODs, suggesting that the antioxidant enzyme defense system in these tissues responded to the exposure to superoxide generated from environmental oxygen. There was a wide range of variability in the distribution of each SOD from cell to cell. The present technique is thus considered to be useful for revealing site-specific changes in SODs in various rat tissues.

Papillary morphology in adult human kidneys and in baby and adult pig kidneys.

The morphology of the renal papillae was studied by inspection in a series of: (1) Hampshire/Duroc piglet kidneys; (2) Danish Landrace adult pig kidneys, and (3) kidneys obtained at necropsy from adult patients. In both man and pig two main types of papillae were found: (1) a single or 'simple' papilla which drains one renal lobe, and (2) a fused or 'compound' papilla which drains two or more renal lobes. Compound papillae were found most frequently in the Hampshire/Duroc kidneys and least frequently in the human kidneys. In all three groups compound papillae were found most frequently in the upper pole. Intrarenal backflow during retrograde pyelography in the piglet kidney at intrapelvic pressures of 30-35 mm Hg (moderate) and of 70-75 mm Hg (high) was related to the morphology of the individual papilla. Both types of papilla could be divided into an open type containing at least two round or oval orifices of the papillary ducts and a closed type with small, often slit-like orifices. At moderate intrapelvic pressure intrarenal backflow occurred mainly in the open compound papillae whereas at high intrapelvic pressure it occurred in nearly all open compound papillae and in about 50% of the open simple papillae. It is concluded that papillary morphology plays an important role in the predominant upper polar occurrence of intrarenal backflow/intrarenal reflux during micturition cystography and in the higher frequency of intrarenal backflow in the mid-zone than in the lower pole in adult human beings.

鋳型解剖標本によるpyelorenal backflowについて

Pyelorenal backflows which have been often clinically observed by retrograde pyelography are usually classified in the following four types; pyelotubular, pyelo-interstitial, pyelovenous and pyelolymphatic.These types were found in our corrosion-casting specimen study of the fourteen human kidneys used with acrylic resin, “TECHNOVIT” (Kurzer Co., West Germany) : i. e. red, blue and yellow coloured resins were infused in the artery, vein and ureter, respectively. The fourteen cases in this communication were consisted of following categories.1) Pyelotubular backflow (seven cases, photo 1). In these specimens the fine structures of the tubuli which were radially distributed on the center of the calyx were observed. These tubuli belong to the collecting ducts and the papillary ducts, and are estimated approximately at 50.400 microns in diameter.2) Pyelo-interstitial backflow (thirteen cases, photo 2). In these cases, the rocky masses of the acrylic resin around the fornix of the renal calyx were observed.3) Pyelovenous backflow (thirteen cases, photo 3). The injected acrylic resin teared or ruptured the fornical angle of the renal calm and flowed into the peripapillary veins was observed. Therefore, the arcuate, interlobares, interlobulares and renal veins are filled with resin.4) Pyelolymphatic backflow (five cases, photo 4). In these specimens, the very fine streaks or threadlike tubuli passing outside the renal fornix were recognized. These countless tubuli are probably the lymphatic vessels, and are estimated at 20.40 microns in diameter.

The Riddle of Randall’s Plaques

Randall described a pre-calculus lesion of the renal papilla in the 1930s and this was substantiated by others during the next decade and then largely ignored. This insignificant subepithelial calcification of the renal papilla, Randall’s plaque type I, becomes the nucleus of at least 15 per cent of calcium oxalate calculi, as demonstrated by apatite nuclei existing in papillary depressions on the external stone surface. Cross section study of the stone demonstrates the peripheral nucleus with eccentric lamination postulating a mural origin. Contrariwise, study of the stone developing upon a nucleus originating in the papillary ducts (without producing obstruction) or out in the calix demonstrates a central nucleus surrounded by concentric laminations or lack of a mural origin, the more common type of calcium oxalate stone structure. Obstruction of the papillary ducts by hyperexcretion of stone salt may result in anemic infarction and sloughing of the apex of the papilla. Data concerning the prevalence of Randall’s plaques in the population have been reviewed. Evidence of the incidence of calcium oxalate calculi that have developed upon Randall’s plaques has been presented. A plea for further study of the pathology of the renal papilla has been voiced.

Renal papillary morphology and intrarenal reflux in the young pig.

Intrarenal reflux in piglets has been related to the morphology of individual renal papillae. These studies show that intrarenal reflux occurs only in the presence of the more extensively fused papillae found predominantly at the upper and lower poles of the kidney. These papillae each have a flattened or concave area cribrosa with large open papillary ducts which cannot be closed by a rise in intracalyceal pressure. In contrast intrarenal reflux never occurs into cone-shaped papillae seen most commonly in the mid-zone of the kidney, which have easily closed, oblique, slit-like papillary duct orifices. The significance of these findings in relation to the genesis of chronic pyelonephritic scarring is discussed.

Visualization of individual papillary ducts (ducts of Bellini) by excretory urography in childhood hydronephrosis.

Individual papillary ducts (ducts of Bellini) were visualized during excretory urography in three cases of childhood hydronephrosis. Dilatation and reorientation because of hydronephrosis, persistence of good glomerular filtrating function, and stasis with increased reabsorption of water from the filtrate in the tubules seem to be the major factors in the demonstration of these structures.

Renal lesions induced by alpha-methyltyrosine methylester and alpha-methyltyrosine.

The toxicity of α‐methyltyrosine methylester (H 44/68) and α‐methyltyrosine (H 9/88) in the rat was investigated in a four week subacute study. Both compounds induced renal lesions with formation of calculi in the urinary tract. The renal lesions were manifested by deposition of tubular crystals associated with regressive and inflammatory changes. The main sites of crystal deposition were the collecting tubules and the papillary ducts. The calculi consisted of α‐methyltyrosine. The investigation indicates that α‐methyltyrosine methylester is metabolized in the body to the less soluble α‐methyltyrosine and that α‐methyltyrosine is excreted through the kidneys. Crystals of α‐methyltyrosine are formed in the renal tubules and urinary tract probably due to a supersaturation of the urine.