Fine Structural Changes in the Three-Dimensional Structure of the Rat Juxtaglomerular Apparatus in Response to Water Deprivation

Abstract

Summary: Morphological changes in the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) after water deprivation, especially those in the spatial relationships among the structural components of the JGA were investigated by electron microscopy of serial sections and the three-dimensional reconstruction. The most remarkable changes were observed after 1-day-water deprivation, i. e. the secretory granule-containing cell layer in the afferent arterioles was markedly increased in extent, and the ratio of contact area between the Goormaghtigh cells (GoCs)and the macula densa of the distal tubule to the whole surface of the GoC field was significantly reduced. A possible role of the GoCs in function of the JGA was discussed.