The kidney Wk 7

What is the structural unit of the kidney responsible for blood filtration?

Nephron

What organ receives a larger blood flow than the brain, liver, and heart?

Kidney

What is the main role of the nephron in the kidney?

To filter blood and remove waste products.

What are the two main processes that occur in the nephron apart from filtration?

Reabsorption and secretion.

How many kidneys do most people have?

Two.

What is the protective covering of the kidney called?

Fibrous capsule.

Where is filtration primarily located in the kidney?

In the glomeruli within the cortex.

What structure collects urine from the kidneys?

Ureter.

What are the small filtering units called that are found in the nephron?

Glomeruli.

What cells prevent large molecules and cells from passing through the filtration barrier in the kidney?

Podocytes.

What is the primary purpose of Bowman’s capsule?

To collect the filtrate from the glomerulus.

What is reabsorbed in the proximal convoluted tubule?

Water, glucose, and some salts.

What is the loop of Henle responsible for?

Further solute uptake back into the bloodstream.

What does the distal convoluted tubule further uptake?

Solutes to maintain homeostatic balance.

What histological stain is considered the gold standard for tissue sections?

Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stain.

What differentiates proximal convoluted tubules from distal convoluted tubules in histology?

Proximal tubules have a more eosinophilic appearance and a less clear lumen.

What does an increase in albumin levels in the urine indicate?

Proteinuria.

What does nephrotic syndrome lead to in the peripheral tissues?

Edema.

What type of histology is essential for diagnosing conditions like minimal change disease?

Electron microscopy.

What happens to podocyte projections in minimal change disease?

They undergo effacement.

Which histological technique is used to visualize basement membranes?

PAS stain.

What tissue processing method is essential for identifying immune complex buildup?

Immunofluorescence.

What is glomerular sclerosis?

Scarring of the kidney glomeruli leading to decreased filtration ability.

What abnormal response can lead to nephritis?

Build-up of immune complexes.

What can elevated cholesterol levels in nephrotic syndrome patients indicate?

Possible underlying kidney dysfunction.

What preparation method is used for light microscopy histology?

Fixation in formalin.

Which tissue fixation method is used for electron microscopy?

Glutaraldehyde.

What does the term 'spatial transcriptomics' refer to?

Analyzing changes in gene expression in specific locations of tissue sections.

What is the primary benefit of using artificial intelligence in histology?

Increased speed and accuracy in diagnosis.

What is the purpose of biobanks in histology research?

To provide access to patient tissue samples for research.

What is the advantage of using automated imaging in histology?

It allows for comprehensive analysis of larger areas of tissue.

What kind of sampling is done for kidney biopsy in suspected nephrotic syndrome?

Fine needle aspiration.

What is a common symptom of nephrotic syndrome?

Swelling in hands and legs.

What technique is used to visualize antibodies in kidney tissue?

Immunofluorescence.

What is the effect of minimal change disease on podocytes?

They lose their foot processes.

What differentiates primary from secondary nephrotic syndrome?

Primary is directly related to kidney dysfunction, while secondary can be due to systemic conditions like diabetes.

What historical techniques are being innovated upon in histology?

Sample preparation and imaging processes.

What is one safety concern related to traditional histological methods?

Use of toxic chemicals like xylene.

What is the main goal of innovations in histology?

To improve safety, accuracy, and efficiency in tissue analysis.

What do the finger-like projections of podocytes contribute to?

The filtration barrier in the glomerulus.

What does the basement membrane surround in the glomerulus?

Capillaries.

What is the histological manifestation of FSGS?

Scarring and fibrosis within the glomeruli.

What are the key advantages of using label-free imaging techniques?

They avoid the need for traditional staining methods.

What is minimal change disease commonly treated with?

Steroids.

What feature in kidney histology indicates high vascularization?

Presence of many capillaries between tubules.

What characterizes simple cuboidal epithelial cells typically found in kidney ducts?

Single layer of cells with a cube-like shape.

What can an H&E stain reveal about kidney tissue?

General histological structure, but not specific molecular features.

How can nephrotic syndrome be diagnosed definitively?

Through renal biopsy and histological assessment.

How do diseases like diabetes lead to secondary nephrotic syndrome?

High glucose levels can damage nephron structures.

What is one reported method to potentially visualize unstained tissue sections?

Using x-ray imaging to create 3D models.

What are podocytes?

Podocytes are specialized cells in the kidney that surround the glomerulus, forming part of the filtration barrier.

What is the function of the basement membrane in the kidney?

The basement membrane provides structural support and acts as a filtration barrier, preventing the passage of large molecules.

What structure collects the filtrate in the kidney?

The filtrate is collected in the Bowman's capsule.

How do podocytes contribute to kidney function?

Podocytes have finger-like projections that interlink with neighboring cells, forming a filtration barrier that prevents large substances from passing through.

What clinical outcomes may arise from damaged filtration cells in the kidney?

Damaged filtration cells can lead to issues such as proteinuria, where proteins like immunoglobulins leak into the urine.

What are the four main tissue types in the body?

The four main tissue types are epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues.

What is the relationship between endothelial cells and podocytes in the kidney?

Endothelial cells line the blood capillaries and work with podocytes to create a filtration barrier in the glomerulus.

What type of microscopy is used to image podocytes?

Transmission electron microscopy is used to obtain detailed images of podocytes and their structures.

What is PAS stain used for in kidney histology?

PAS stain is particularly useful for visualizing the basement membrane in renal biopsies.

What is the characteristic microscopy finding in Minimal Change Disease?

Minimal Change Disease is diagnosed via electron microscopy, showing effacement of podocyte processes without significant changes visible on light microscopy.

What is effacement in the context of podocytes?

Effacement refers to the loss of the finger-like projections of podocytes, seen in conditions like Minimal Change Disease.

How does light microscopy help in diagnosing FSGS?

In FSGS, light microscopy can reveal scarring within the glomeruli, which can support a diagnosis of this condition.

What are immune complexes, and how do they relate to nephritis?

Immune complexes are aggregates of antibodies and antigens that can build up in the kidney, leading to nephritis and impaired filtration.

What role does immunofluorescence play in the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome?

Immunofluorescence can detect the presence of immune complexes within the glomeruli, aiding in the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome.

What advancements have been made in the safety of histological procedures?

Researchers are developing xylene replacements to improve safety in histology lab procedures, reducing exposure to toxic chemicals.

What is the potential benefit of automated image analysis in histology?

Automated image analysis can create stitched images of larger tissue sections, improving diagnosis by providing a comprehensive view of the sample.

What is spatial transcriptomics?

Spatial transcriptomics is a technique that allows for the study of gene expression in specific locations within a tissue section, linking biology to tissue architecture.

How can artificial intelligence assist in histological diagnosis?

Artificial intelligence can analyze and identify features in tissue samples more quickly and accurately, potentially improving diagnostic outcomes.

What does the PAS stain reveal in kidney histology?

The PAS stain reveals the basement membrane clearly in kidney biopsies, allowing for identification of structural differences.

Why does light microscopy often fail to diagnose Minimal Change Disease?

Light microscopy shows normal glomeruli in Minimal Change Disease, but electron microscopy is required to visualize podocyte effacement.

What is the significance of thickening of the basement membrane in renal pathology?

Thickening of the basement membrane can indicate underlying kidney issues and is visually identifiable using light microscopy.

What is the role of frozen sections in diagnosing nephrotic syndrome?

Frozen sections preserve tissue for immunofluorescence analysis to detect immune complexes in the glomeruli related to nephrotic syndrome.

How does electron microscopy provide insights into glomerular diseases?

Electron microscopy visualizes ultra-structural changes, like podocyte effacement, that are crucial for diagnosing specific glomerular diseases.

What is the purpose of using immunofluorescence in kidney histology?

Immunofluorescence is used to identify the presence of immune complexes in the kidney, aiding in the diagnosis of related diseases.

What are the health and safety concerns linked to traditional histology practices?

Traditional histology often uses toxic chemicals, such as xylene, which necessitate strict safety protocols and fume hoods during procedures.

What advancements are being made in histology imaging techniques?

Advancements include automated image analysis for stitching multiple images together and the application of artificial intelligence for feature recognition.

How can artificial intelligence enhance histological analysis?

Artificial intelligence can improve the accuracy and speed of diagnosing tissue sections by identifying features that might be missed by human analysis.

What is spatial transcriptomics, and why is it valuable?

Spatial transcriptomics allows researchers to analyze gene expression in specific locations within tissue sections, linking biological changes to tissue architecture.

What are the four main types of nephrotic syndrome?

The four main types of nephrotic syndrome include Minimal Change Disease, glomerular sclerosis, nephritis, and secondary causes of nephrotic syndrome.

Why is Minimal Change Disease the most common form of nephrotic syndrome in children?

Minimal Change Disease is prevalent in children due to its association with certain infections and its responsiveness to steroid treatment.

What is glomerular sclerosis?

Glomerular sclerosis refers to the scarring of kidney glomeruli, leading to fibrosis and decreased filtration ability.

What is the impact of glomerular sclerosis on kidney function?

Glomerular sclerosis reduces the kidney's ability to filter waste, which can cause blood proteins like albumin to leak into the urine.

What characterizes nephritis in the context of nephrotic syndrome?

Nephritis is characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli, which can arise from various underlying causes.

What is the importance of histology in diagnosing nephrotic syndrome?

Histology helps identify the underlying cause of nephrotic syndrome by examining structural changes in kidney tissue.

What is the role of Congo red stain in renal histology?

Congo red stain is utilized to identify amyloid deposits in kidney biopsies, indicating secondary causes of nephrotic syndrome.

Why is PAS stain particularly useful for assessing renal biopsies?

The PAS stain is effective at highlighting the basement membrane in kidney tissue, aiding in the evaluation of glomerular structure.

Why does light microscopy often fail to differentiate Minimal Change Disease from normal kidney tissue?

Light microscopy typically shows no differences in glomeruli between Minimal Change Disease and normal tissue, making it ineffective for diagnosis.

How does electron microscopy assist in the diagnosis of Minimal Change Disease?

Electron microscopy allows visualization of podocyte effacement, which is a key pathological change in Minimal Change Disease that light microscopy cannot detect.

What is the most common type of nephrotic syndrome in children?

The most common type of nephrotic syndrome in children is Minimal Change Disease.

What is the main consequence of glomerular sclerosis?

Glomerular sclerosis results in scarring of the glomeruli, leading to decreased kidney filtration and potential protein leakage into urine.

What are the key clinical features of nephrotic syndrome?

Key features include proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema due to fluid accumulation in peripheral tissues.

What three types of tissue processing are used in kidney biopsies?

Kidney biopsies are processed using formaldehyde fixation for H&E staining, frozen sections for immunofluorescence, and glutaraldehyde for electron microscopy.

What is the significance of using different stains in histology?

Different stains enable visualization of specific tissue features, aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions, including nephrotic syndrome.

What histological change can be seen in Minimal Change Disease?

In Minimal Change Disease, podocyte processes show effacement, which is observed through electron microscopy but not with light microscopy.

What stain is particularly useful for visualizing the basement membrane in kidney biopsies?

The PAS stain is useful for visualizing the basement membrane in renal biopsies, highlighting structural changes.

What types of cells are primarily affected in nephritis associated with nephrotic syndrome?

Nephritis primarily involves inflammation of the glomeruli, affecting the endothelial cells and podocytes within the kidney.

How does the structure of a nephron aid in its filtering function?

The nephron's structure, particularly the glomerulus with its specialized cells, prevents large molecules and blood cells from passing into urine while allowing smaller filtrates to be processed.

Why is light microscopy limited in diagnosing Minimal Change Disease?

Light microscopy often shows normal kidney tissue in Minimal Change Disease,

What is Minimal Change Disease (MCD)?

Minimal Change Disease is a condition that affects kidney filters, leading to symptoms such as foamy urine and swelling.