Mesangial cells regulate the single nephron GFR and preserve the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier: An intravital multiphoton microscopy study

Aim The intraglomerular mesangial cells are located between the glomerular capillaries. Here we hypothesized that regulate single nephron filtration rate (snGFR) and support integrity of barrier. Methods We assessed function in vivo by multiphoton microscopy. Mesangial were depleted Munich Wistar Froemter rats using Thy1.1 antibody model. Results caused cell-specific loss 82 ± 3% cells. After cell depletion, baseline snGFR was reduced to 12.0 1.2 vs 32.4 3.2 nL/min controls. In control rats, decreased after angiotensin II infusion 61 (P = .004), whereas it remained unchanged Thy1.1-treated rats. changes accompanied marked rotation capillary loops within Bowman's space. This phenomenon absent anti-Thy1.1-treated sieving coefficient (GSCA ) for albumin, used as a measure barrier, low (0.00061 0.00004) increased (0.00121 0.00015). GSC elevated (0.0032 0.00059) did not change response II. Electron microscopy revealed thickness basement membrane depletion. Conclusion Our data suggest actively contribute regulation snGFR. Furthermore, crucially involved maintaining part modulating membrane.