A concept for stereological investigation of rat kidney.

An attempt is presented to adapt sampling procedures for stereological investigation of rat kidney. The proposed experimental design considers the zonal construction, in particular the structural and osmotic features of this organ. Every zone is treated as an own entity inregard to sample collection. In order to uncover possibly existing preferential orientation of structures the application of two mutually perpendicular section planes is recommended. Furthermore a method is described to determine absolute volumes and surface of structural components.