Tridimensional ultrastructure of freeze-fractured rat kidney cortex (studied in stereo).

The tridimensional ultrastructure of the inner cortex of rat kidney has been studied by observing freeze-fractured tissue in stereo. The complex structure of the tubules, fenestrated capillaries and glomeruli is more readily observed through the irregular fracturing of the tissue that occurs in this technique. The ultrastructure of the brush border and interdigitating membranes of the proximal tubules, the structure of the fenestrated endothelial membranes of the capillaries and the ribbon-like appearance of the filtration space between the foot processes of the glomeruli were especially well depicted in stereo images of freeze-fractured renal tissue.