Using tandem scanning confocal microscopy to predict the status of donor kidneys.
Tandem scanning confocal microscopy (TSCM) is a noninvasive form of vital microscopy that can be used to evaluate superficial uriniferous tubules in living kidneys. Because TSCM has a number of advantages over conventional microscopic examination of renal biopsies, the present study was undertaken to determine whether the histopathological images obtained by TSCM correlate with post-transplant renal function. The kidneys of New Zealand male rabbits were harvested, flushed with Euro-Collins solution, and stored at 0-2 degrees C for periods of 24, 48, 67 and 72 h prior to transplantation. TSCM observation of the kidneys prior to their transplantation revealed characteristic histopathological changes of the superficial proximal convoluted tubules that correlated closely with subsequent post-transplant renal function. These observations indicate that TSCM may be of significant value in evaluating the status of donor kidneys prior to their transplantation.
Andrews
Peter M
PM
Department of Cell Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA. andrewsp@georgetown.edu
Khirabadi
Bijan S
BS
Bengs
Benjamin C
BC
D000818:Animals; D001806:Blood Urea Nitrogen; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007668:Kidney / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000502:physiology*; D007684:Kidney Tubules / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D011817:Rabbits; D014019:Tissue Donors
D003404:Creatinine