Cilia in the human kidney.
Utilizing transmission electron microscopy we have found multiple cilia with a 9 + 2 microtubular pattern (the same type found in the bronchial tree) in the renal tubules of four adults with the nephrotic syndrome. Each patient had a different pathologic diagnosis: amyloidosis, lipoid nephrosis, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Previously, multiple renal tubular cilia with 9 + 2 architecture had been reported in patients with Burnett's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and congenital nephrotic syndrome. Additionally, we found multiple cilia in the metanephric tubules of 4 of 4 human fetuses. Pathologists should be aware that cilia with various microtubular patterns occur in human adult kidneys.
D000328:Adult; D002923:Cilia / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D007684:Kidney Tubules / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000473:pathology