CULTURE OF ISOLATED GLOMERULI FROM NORMAL AND NEPHRITIC RABBITS

Abstract

The existence of 4 types of cells in the glomerular outgrowths from normal and nephritic rabbits was confirmed and their characteristics are described by means of phase contrast microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Type I (arborized), Type II (fusiform), Type III (round) and Type IV (paving stone-like) cells presumably originate from visceral epithelial cells, mesangial cells, monocytes and parietal epithelial cells of Bowman''s capsule, respectively, though conclusive evidence is still lacking. The Type III cells, unlike the other types of cells, have a remarkable phagocytic capacity as well as Fc and complement C3 receptors.