Ultrastructure and Nanomorphology of the American Mink (Mustela vison) Kidney.

The ultrastructure of the nephron subcellular organelles was studied in healthy mink kidneys. The data obtained were compared with the results of transmission electron microscopy. The renal cell nanomorphology proved to be similar when electronograms and the atomic force microscopy images were analyzed. The methods used enabled us to visualize the glomerular capillary endotheliocytes with cytolemma pits in the area of fenestrae that provide blood filtration; in the proximal nephron part, on the apical pole of the epithelial cells, brush-border soft microvilli were observed. The microvilli were characterized by a well-organized structure along their entire length and the membrane integrity. The data obtained show morphological parameters of the healthy mink organ and can be helpful in diagnosing of nephropathology.