Morphological, histochemical and immunohistochemical studies of polar fox kidney.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the morphology and intermediate filaments cytokeratin, desmin and vimentin expression in the kidneys of the polar fox (Alopex lagopus). Routine morphological, histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques of examinations of the kidneys of adult male and female polar foxes were used. We found different localizations and different levels of immunoexpression of cytokeratin in epithelia of calyxes, distal tubules and Henle's loops, and also in endothelial cells. We also noted immunolocalization and immunoexpression of vimentin in mesangial cells, interstitial tissue and distal tubules. Desmin reactivity was revealed for muscle cells of arteries and mesangial cells. Our study is the first attempt to localize cytoskeletal intermediate filaments performed on polar fox kidneys. It is worth noting that our observations concerning the distribution of vimentin in the polar fox kidney may suggest that protein as being useful as a marker of distal tubules in the polar fox kidney.