File:Glomerular podocyte cartoon 02.jpg

Stages of glomerular development and progression with emphasis on the role of the podocyte

The S-shaped stage: Developing podocytes acquire podocyte markers during the S-shaped stage of nephron development at which time blood vessels and mesenchyme invade (arrow). The podocytes (round nuclei) separate from the parietal epithelial cells (triangular nuclei) forming what will become Bowman's space.

The head-shaped stage: at this stage of glomerular development, the glomerulus consists of a ball of cell surrounded by developing podocytes.

The capillary loop stage: this stage of glomerular development includes the infolding of the surface layer in order to enlarge the area available for filtration as well as the development of foot processes that interdigitate between podocytes and abut the underlying GBM which is being synthesized as a collaboration between the podocyte and underlying endothelial and mesangial cells.

The mature glomerulus: the mature glomerulus has maximized filtration surface area by developing intertwining finger-like projections coated by fenestrated endothelial cells on the inside, a specialized strong thin GBM in the middle, and interdigitating podocyte foot processes connected by slit diaphragms on the outer surface.

Mesangial expansion: loss of some podocytes (20%) is associated with mesangial expansion possibly as an attempt to reduce the filtration surface area.

Adhesion formation: loss of podocytes resulting in appearance of bare areas of filtration surface results in adhesion of the bare surface to Bowman's capsule (synechia).

Segmental sclerosis: loss of podocytes beyond a critical level results in a fibrotic glomerular response in that part of the glomerulus (segmental sclerosis).

Global sclerosis: loss of podocytes beyond a critical level results in widespread scarring of that glomerulus (global sclerosis).

Links: Renal System Development

Reference

<pubmed>17410103</pubmed>| Kidney Int.

Copyright

Reprinted by permission from Macmillan Publishers Ltd: Kidney Int.: 2007, 71(12);1205-14 PMID:17410103.

Original file name: Figure 2. 5002222f2.jpg http://www.nature.com/ki/journal/v71/n12/fig_tab/5002222f2.html

Cite this page: Hill, M.A. (2024, April 19) Embryology Glomerular podocyte cartoon 02.jpg. Retrieved from https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php/File:Glomerular_podocyte_cartoon_02.jpg

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© Dr Mark Hill 2024, UNSW Embryology ISBN: 978 0 7334 2609 4 - UNSW CRICOS Provider Code No. 00098G