Juxtaglomerular apparatus in the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus).

The juxtaglomerular apparatus in the kidney of the domestic fowl was studied with the light and electron microscope after fixation by vascular perfusion. The height of the macula densa cells was greater and the internuclear distance less than were those of other distal tubule cells. Goormaghtigh (lacis) cells were found in the angle between the hilar arterioles and the glomerulus. The branching pattern of the basement membrane of the macula densa was extensive, surrounding both the Goormaghtigh cells and the mesangial cells. The basement membrane ended in the walls of both hilar arterioles and in the glomerular capillaries. Thus, all juxtaglomerular and glomerular structures were linked together by the branches of basement membrane. The afferent and efferent arterioles were often found ramifying in the mesangial cell mass. Granular epithelioid cells and adrenergic nerves were found within the glomerulus.