2017 Volume 31 Issue 2 Pages 40-43
Visualisation is a simple approach to scientific investigation, which has been used extensively since the microscope was invented in the early 17th century. The in-vivo observation of renal circulation by light microscopy was first performed in the late 20th century. Light microscopy enables measurement of only two dimensions in an image, unless sequential analysis is performed. For a more comprehensive and accurate quantitative study of renal function, a novel modality is required. Since the late 20th century, confocal laser microscopy has been applied in the study of organ function. This technology enabled deep sectioning of living tissue, with the use of fluorescence techniques. It has added a new dimension to visualisation studies in renal physiology, both in-vitro and in-vivo. Here, through the compilation of several representative studies, we briefly review the major advances in in-vivo visualisation of renal physiology. With the ability to analyse differences in the emission intensity and distribution of fluorescent probes with sequential measurements, more quantitative in-vivo studies are expected to follow.
