[The cytoskeleton of the endothelium and mesangium of rat kidney glomeruli].

Cytoskeleton architectonics of endothelial and mesangial cells has been studied in renal glomeruli of the mongrel rats. The typical tessellated disposition of cytoskeletal elements is determined in which microtubules are dominating. The microtubules form a diffuse large-loop network in the zone of perikaryon and neighbouring cytoplasm. In marginal endothelium processes the microtubules are gathered in bundles, whereas in the perforated cytoplasm area separate microtubules are seen in narrow spaces between fenestrae. Microfilaments are not revealed by electron microscopy with a sufficient degree of correction, but are easily discovered by indirect immunofluorescent reaction against actin. No intermediate filaments were observed in the studied cells. Thus, the microtubules make, presumably, the cytoskeleton base for endothelial and mesangial cells of renal glomeruli of mammals, and microfilaments connect the skeleton elements. Synchronous work of all cytoskeletal elements in endothelial cells determines the quantity and morphological parameters of functioning fenestrae, and thus controls and maintains a necessary level of primary filtration in the renal glomeruli.