The regeneration of the cells of the macula densa after subtotal nephrectomy in the rat.
An autoradiographic study of the proliferative response of the cells of the Macula Densa days or months after the removal of 5/6 of the rat's kidney has shown that these cells are capable of division. The index of labelling of these cells is considerably lower than that of the other cells of the distal tubules. This applies of the kidney of normal controls and to the remnant after partial nephrectomy, shortly after operation as well as several months later. The cells of the Macula Densa therefore seem to represent a more stable population in the nephron. They therefore differ from the other cells of the distal tubules not only in appearance and function, but also in the pattern of cell proliferation.
D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006801:Humans; D007684:Kidney Tubules / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007686:Kidney Tubules, Distal / Q000166:cytology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008938:Mitosis; D009392:Nephrectomy; D051381:Rats; D012038:Regeneration
D004247:DNA