Microscopic study of cortical explants from lamb kidney in culture.

Cortical explants from lamb kidney have been maintained in organ culture for up to 12 days. Early in culture, the tissue showed limited necrosis, but most tissue elements, especially those closest to the medium, significantly recovered by day 5. Glomerular peripolar cells were present for at least the first 3 days of culture. Neotubular formation was noted by day 5, often appearing as cyst-like structures. Glomerular podocytes lost their foot processes early in culture but apparently remained viable throughout the total culture period.