Renal test dyes IV. Intravital Fluorescence microscopy and microphotometry of the tubularly secreted dye sulfonefluorescein.

The present study describes for the first time the use of the fluorescent dye sulfonefluorescein for intravital microscopy and microphotometry on the renal surface of rats. With help of this dye tubular secretion can be observed in mammalian kidney in vivo. Tubular secretion can further be quantified with microphotometrical measurements. The molecular structure of sulfonefluorescein is closely related to phenol red, which is known for its tubular secretion. Clearance experiments also show a secretion of sulfonefluorescein. The secretion can be inhibited by probenecid. Ureter ligation causes a strong increase in tubular concentration of the dye. After a temporary ischemia dye accumulation in tubular lumen is greatly reduced.