Vascularization and glomerular ultrastructure in the pig mesonephros.

Vascularization of the pig mesonephros was investigated in embryos 5-8 cm in length. Vascular injections with microfil were cleared and dissected; corrosion casts were studied under the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Perfusion-fixed tissue was used for SEM and transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies, including freeze-fracture specimens. The branches of one mesonephric artery carry up to 15 glomeruli. Several glomeruli occupy the same arterial branch, with very short afferent arterioles proper. The efferent vessels, frequently 2-5, leave the extensive vascular pole opposite the entering arteriole and split into peritubular capillaries radiating towards the superficial veins. These capillaries form vascular regions in the shape of flattened pyramids. Along its course, one nephron is supplied by vessels derived from 4-7 glomeruli. The nephrons have less vascular contact than in the definitive kidney. The ultrastructure of the single mesonephric vessels matches the metanephric counterparts. Epithelioid cells with renin granules are common in afferent arterioles, larger arteries, and efferent vessels. The lobulated glomeruli are up to 750 micron long and flattened, showing the usual features of podocytes, mesangial cells, and an attenuated endothelium with fenestrations between 50 and 250 nm. It partially retains its own basement membrane. There is no proximal mesangium.