The hydronephrotic kidney of the mouse as a tool for intravital microscopy and in vitro electrophysiological studies of renin-containing cells.

Experimental hydronephrosis in mice has been studied with histological, ultrastructural, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and electrophysiological techniques to establish its value as a preparation for the investigation of glomerular microcirculation as well as the electrophysiological and biochemical properties of the renin-containing juxtaglomerular (JG) and vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells of the afferent glomerular arteriole. During developing hydronephrosis the kidney parenchyma becomes progressively thinner as a result of tubular atrophy, being, after 12 weeks, a tissue sheet of about 200 micron in thickness. In this preparation, the renal arterial tree, in particular the glomerular arterioles, and also the glomeruli can be easily visualized. This permits intravital microscopic studies or direct visual identification of JG and VSM cells for microelectrode impalement. In spite of complete tubular atrophy, the vascular system is well preserved. Ultrastructurally, JG and VSM cells as well as the axon terminals innervating the vessels are intact. The same holds for the glomeruli except for a certain confluence of the podocyte foot processes and a thickening of the basal lamina. Renin immunostaining and kidney renin content in the hydronephrotic organ correspond to those in control kidneys. In addition, renin release from this preparation can be stimulated in a typical manner by isoproterenol and inhibited by angiotensin II, indicating that the receptors controling renin release and the secretory mechanism itself are still intact. Electrophysiological recordings from JG and VSM cells show a high membrane potential (-75 mv), and spontaneous depolarizing junction potentials, owing to transmitter release from the nerve terminals. Inhibitors of renin secretion, e.g. angiotensin II, depolarize both cell types, whereas stimulators such as isoproterenol do not change the membrane potential. We conclude that the hydronephrotic mouse kidney is a suitable model for in vitro studies of the electrophysiology and biochemistry of the media cells of the afferent arteriole, as well as for in vivo studies of glomerular microcirculation.