The microtubule network of renal epithelial cells is disrupted by ischemia and reperfusion.

Ischemia results in alterations in the integrity of the plasma membrane of renal epithelial cells, changes in cell polarity, and initiation of cell division. Because microtubules are implicated in these processes, we examined the effects of ischemia and reperfusion on the microtubular cytoskeleton in rat kidney. Major alterations in the microtubule network of S3 proximal tubules were detected after 40 min of ischemia followed by 1 h of reperfusion. There was fragmentation of microtubules and considerably less intense staining with antitubulin antibodies than with normal kidneys. Some thick ascending limbs of Henle close to medullary vascular bundles showed a variable loss of tubulin staining. After 24 and 48 h of reperfusion, tubulin labeling was again present in most proximal tubule cells in contact with the basement membrane but was not detectable in exfoliated cells. Numerous mitotic figures were present in kidneys 48 h after reperfusion. Kidneys subjected to 40 min of ischemia without reperfusion and contralateral kidneys studied after 1 h of reperfusion showed only mild microtubular disruption. Because of the established role of microtubules in the generation and maintenance of epithelial cell polarity, their loss may contribute to structural changes that occur after ischemia and reperfusion.