Kidney Week

Abstract: FR-PO931

Morphogenesis and Function of the Nephron-Collecting Duct Connection

Session Information

• Development, Stem Cells, Regenerative Medicine - II
  October 26, 2018 | Location: Exhibit Hall, San Diego Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Development, Stem Cells, and Regenerative Medicine

• 501 Development, Stem Cells, and Regenerative Medicine: Basic

Authors

• Zhang, Ping, China Medical University, Shenyang, China

Ping Zhang,

• Gu, Ling, China Medical University, Shenyang, China

Ling Gu,

• Cong, Jing, China Medical University, Shenyang, China

Jing Cong,

• Zhang, Jie, China Medical University, Shenyang, China

Jie Zhang,

• Thomsen, Jesper Skovhus, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

Jesper Skovhus Thomsen,

• Andreasen, Arne A., Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

Arne A. Andreasen,

• Wang, Hui, China Medical University, Shenyang, China

Hui Wang,

• Deng, Si-Qi, China Medical University, Shenyang, China

Si-Qi Deng,

• Christensen, Erik I., Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

Erik I. Christensen,

• Zhai, Xiao-Yue, China Medical University, Shenyang, China

Xiao-Yue Zhai,

Background

A correct morphogenesis of the connection between nephrons and collecting ducts (CD) profoundly impacts the ability of the renal system to regulate the water-salt and acid-base balances in adults. However, the origin of the nephron-CD connection has yet to be established.

Methods

These observations were based on the morphology and computer-assisted tubular tracing on LM and EM serial sections.

Results

The present study showed that the nephron-CD connection was initiated by fusion of cells arising from the renal vesicle (RV) and the terminal tip of the ureteric bud (UB). One terminal tip often connected with two nephrons at different developing stages. A lumen in the nephron-CD connection was observed early at the S-shaped body stage, where the opening to the tip consisted mainly of distal tubule cells mixed with a few tip cells. With nephron development, the nephron-CD connection elongates with tip and RV cells, and the connection is then composed of cells expressing Na⁺-Cl^- co-transporters, H⁺-ATPase, and AQP2, with a similar distribution as in the adult kidney. AQP2 and H⁺-ATPase, was constantly expressed at the UB trunk, increasingly expressed at the UB neck, while the expression was undetectable at the UB tip.

Conclusion

The study suggests that the nephron-CD connection is initiated by cell-cell fusion between RV and UB tip cells, then it elongates with participation of UB tip and neck cells, and finally it matures into the connecting tubule as the glomerulus develops.