Culture of isolated glomeruli from normal and nephritic rabbits. I. Characterization of outgrowing cells.

The existence of four types of cells in the glomerular outgrowths from both normal and nephritic rabbits was confirmed, and their characteristics by phase contrast, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy are described. 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 C3 receptors.