Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Smooth muscle and myofibroblast-like cells in the perimedullary stromal basket of kidneys from ringed seals (Phoca hispida)

  • Published:
Cell and Tissue Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

The medullary pyramid of renculi in kidneys of ringed seals (Phoca hispida) is enclosed by a basket composed of ribbons of stromal tissue continuous with the wall of the calyx. Branched smooth muscle cells with well-developed Golgi complexes and rough endoplasmic reticulum and only an incomplete external lamina are the principal cells in sites near the origin of the ribbons from the calycal wall. Deeper in the corticomedullary junctional region, smooth muscle is progressively replaced with stellate or spindle-shaped cells exhibiting structural characteristics intermediate between those of fibroblasts and smooth muscle fibers. These myofibroblast-like cells contain arrays of parallel microfilaments 6–8 nm thick with associated focal densities and subplasmalemmal dense plaques, caveolae, elongate, often deeply wrinkled nuclei, and well-developed Golgi complexes and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Material resembling external lamina is associated with parts of the surfaces of most myofibroblast-like cells and intermediate junctions are present. Fibroblasts lacking arrays of parallel microfilaments are a minority at any level in the stromal ribbons. Interstitial cells in the vicinity of the corticomedullary junction show similar myofibroblast-like characteristics. The smooth muscle and myofibroblast-like cells presumably assist expression of urine from the papilla and calyx, and possibly participate as pacemakers for the urinary tract.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Baur PS jr, Parks DH (1983) The myofibroblast anchoring strand — the fibronectin connection in wound healing and the possible loci of collagen fibril assembly. J Trauma 23:853–862

    Google Scholar 

  • Beertsen W, Everts V, van den Hooff A (1974) Fine structure of fibroblasts in the periodontal ligament of the rat incisor and their possible role in tooth eruption. Arch Oral Biol 19:1087–1098

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhawan J, Bacchetta C, Joris I, Majno G (1979) A myofibroblastic tumor. Am J Pathol 94:19–36

    Google Scholar 

  • Böck P, Breitenecker G, Lunglmayr G (1972) Kontraktile Fibroblasten (Myofibroblasten) in der Lamina propria der Hodenkanälchen von Menschen. Z Zellforsch 133:519–527

    Google Scholar 

  • Bressler RS (1973) Myoid cells in the capsule of the adrenal gland and in monolayers derived from cultured adrenal capsules. Anat Rec 177:525–532

    Google Scholar 

  • Bulger RE (1973) Rat renal capsule: Presence of layers of unique squamous cells. Anat Rec 177:393–408

    Google Scholar 

  • Burden HW (1972) Ultrastructural observations on ovarian perifollicular smooth muscle in the cat, guinea pig, and rabbit. Am J Anat 133:125–141

    Google Scholar 

  • Cave AJE, Aumonier FJ (1961) The visceral histology of the primitive cetacean Caperea (Neobalaena). J R Microsc Soc 80:25–33

    Google Scholar 

  • Cave AJE, Aumonier FJ (1964) The reniculus in certain balaenopterids. J R Microsc Soc 83:255–264

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis RW, Castellini MA, Kooyman GL, Maue R (1983) Renal glomerular filtration rate and hepatic blood flow during voluntary diving in Weddell seals. Am J Physiol 245:R743-R748

    Google Scholar 

  • Dixon JS, Gosling JA (1970) Electron microscopic observations on the renal caliceal wall in the rat. Z Zellforsch 103:328–340

    Google Scholar 

  • Dixon JS, Gosling JA (1973) The fine structure of pacemaker cells in the pig renal calices. Anat Rec 175:139–154

    Google Scholar 

  • Dixon JS, Gosling JA (1982) The musculature of the human renal calices, pelvis and upper ureter. J Anat 135:129–137

    Google Scholar 

  • Doležel S (1975) The connective tissue skeleton in the mammalian kidney and its innervation. Acta Anat 93:194–209

    Google Scholar 

  • Gabbiani G, Montandon D (1977) Reparative processes in mammalian wound healing: the role of contractile phenomena. Int Rev Cytol 48:187–219

    Google Scholar 

  • Gabbiani G, Hirschel BJ, Ryan GB, Statkov PR, Majno G (1972) Granulation tissue as a contractile organ. A study of structure and function. J Exp Med 135:719–734

    Google Scholar 

  • Gabella G (1981) Structure of smooth muscles. In: Bülbring E, Brading AF, Jones AW, Tomita T (eds) Smooth muscle: an assessment of current knowledge. University of Texas Press, Austin, Texas, pp 1–46

    Google Scholar 

  • Garant PR (1976) Collagen resorption by fibroblasts. A theory of fibroblastic maintenance of the periodontal ligament. J Periodontol 47:380–390

    Google Scholar 

  • Gerrity RG, Adams EP, Cliff WJ (1975) The aortic tunica media of the developing rat II. Incorporation by medial cells of 3H-proline into collagen and elastin: autoradiographic and chemical studies. Lab Invest 32:601–609

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghadially FN (1982) Ultrastructural pathology of the cell and matrix. 2nd ed. Butterworths, London, pp 658–663

    Google Scholar 

  • Gorgas K, Böck P (1974) Myofibroblasts in the rat testicular capsule. Cell Tissue Res 154:533–541

    Google Scholar 

  • Güldner F-H, Wolff JR, Keyserlingk DG (1972) Fibroblasts as a part of the contractile system in duodenal villi of rat. Z Zellforsch 135:349–360

    Google Scholar 

  • Guzsal E (1959) Beiträge zur Anatomie der Robbenniere. Acta Vet Acad Sci Hung 9:419–428

    Google Scholar 

  • Higton DIR, James DW (1964) The force of contraction of fullthickness wounds of rabbit skin. Br J Surg 51:462–466

    Google Scholar 

  • Kapanci Y, Assimacopoulos A, Irlé C, Zwahlen A, Gabbiani G (1974) “Contractile interstitial cells” in pulmonary alveolar septa: a possible regulator of ventilation/perfusion ratio? J Cell Biol 60:375–392

    Google Scholar 

  • Kobayashi K (1978) Fine structure of the mammalian renal capsule: the atypical smooth muscle cell and its functional meaning. Cell Tissue Res 195:381–394

    Google Scholar 

  • Kooyman GL, Wahrenbrock EA, Castellini MA, Davis RW, Sinnett EE (1980) Aerobic and anaerobic metabolism during voluntary diving in Weddell seals: evidence of preferred pathways from blood chemistry and behaviour. J Comp Physiol 138:335–346

    Google Scholar 

  • Majno G, Gabbiani G, Hirschel BJ, Ryan GB, Statkov PR (1971) Contraction of granulation tissue in vitro: similarity to smooth muscle. Science 173:548–550

    Google Scholar 

  • Munkacsi IM, Newstead JD (1985) The intrarenal and pericapsular venous systems of kidneys of the ringed seal, Phoca hispida. J Morphol 184:361–373

    Google Scholar 

  • Murdaugh HV jr, Schmidt-Nielsen B, Wood JW, Mitchell WL (1961) Cessation of renal function during diving in the trained seal (Phoca vitulina). J Cell Comp Physiol 58:261–265

    Google Scholar 

  • Nagle RB, Kneiser MR, Bulger RE, Benditt EP (1973) Induction of smooth muscle characteristics in renal interstitial fibroblasts during obstructive neuropathy. Lab Invest 29:422–427

    Google Scholar 

  • Nagle RB, Evans LW, Reynolds DG (1975) Contractility of renal cortex following complete ureteral obstruction. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 148:611–614

    Google Scholar 

  • Nakano M, Lieber CS (1982) Ultrastructure of initial stages of perivenular fibrosis in alcohol-fed baboons. Am J Pathol 106:145–155

    Google Scholar 

  • Nakano M, Worner TM, Lieber CS (1982) Perivenular fibrosis in alcoholic liver injury: ultrastructure and histologic progression. Gastroenterology 83:777–785

    Google Scholar 

  • Narath PA (1940) The hydromechanics of the calyx renalis. J Urol 43:145–176

    Google Scholar 

  • Narayanan AS, Sandberg LB, ross R, Layman DL (1976) The smooth muscle cell III. Elastin synthesis in arterial smooth muscle cell culture. J Cell Biol 68:411–419

    Google Scholar 

  • Newstead JD, Munkacsi IM (1986) The fibromuscular basket (Sporta perimedullaris musculosa) in renculi of kidneys from the ringed seal, Phoca hispida (Pinnipedia). J Morphol 188:335–346

    Google Scholar 

  • O'Shea JD (1970) Smooth muscle-like cells in the theca externa of ovarian follicles in the rat. Anat Rec 167:127–140

    Google Scholar 

  • Pease DC, Paule WJ (1960) Electron microscopy of elastic arteries: the thoracic aorta of the rat. J Ultrastruct Res 3:469–483

    Google Scholar 

  • Pictet R, Orci L, Forssmann WG, Girardier L (1969) An electron microscope study of the perfusion-fixed spleen I. The splenic circulation and the RES concept. Z Zellforsch 96:372–399

    Google Scholar 

  • Ross MH (1967) The fine structure and development of the peritubular contractile cell component in the seminiferous tubules of the mouse. Am J Anat 121:523–558

    Google Scholar 

  • Ross R (1971) The smooth muscle cell II. Growth of smooth muscle in culture and formation of elastic fibers. J Cell Biol 50:172–186

    Google Scholar 

  • Ross R, Klebanoff SJ (1971) The smooth muscle cell I. In vivo synthesis of connective tissue proteins. J Cell Biol 50:159–171

    Google Scholar 

  • Ross MH, Reith EJ (1969) Perineurium: evidence for contractile elements. Science 165:604–606

    Google Scholar 

  • Rossouw DJ, Chase CC (1978) Ultrastructure of the capsule of the rabbit adrenal gland. Acta Anat 100:538–544

    Google Scholar 

  • Rothwell B (1975) Designation of the cellular component of the peritubular boundary tissue of the seminiferous tubule in the testis of the fowl (Gallus domesticus). Br Poult Sci 16:527–529

    Google Scholar 

  • Rudolph R (1982) The spatial and temporal quantification of myofibroblasts. Discussion. Plast Reconstr Surg 69:984–985

    Google Scholar 

  • Rudolph R, Guber S, Suzuki M, Woodward M (1977) The life cycle of the myofibroblast. Surg Gynecol Obstet 145:389–394

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryan GB, Cliff WJ, Gabbiani G, Irlé C, Montandon D, Statkov PR, Majno G (1974) Myofibroblasts in human granulation tissue. Hum Pathol 5:55–67

    Google Scholar 

  • Schürch W, Seemayer TA, Lagacé R (1981) Stromal myofibroblasts in primary invasive and metastatic carcinomas. A combined immunological, light and electron microscopic study. Virchows Arch A 391:125–139

    Google Scholar 

  • Singer II (1979) The fibronexus: a transmembrane association of fibronectin-containing fibers and bundles of 5 nm microfilaments in hamster and human fibroblasts. Cell 16:675–685

    Google Scholar 

  • Singer II, Kawka DW, Kazazis DM, Clark RAF (1984) In vivo co-distribution of fibronectin and actin fibers in granulation tissue: immunofluorescence and electron microscope studies of the fibronexus at the myofibroblast surface. J Cell Biol 98:2091–2106

    Google Scholar 

  • Skalli O, Gabbiani G, Vandekerckove J, Weber K (1984) The fibroblastic nature of myofibroblasts suggested by their actin isoform pattern. Fed Proc 43:802

    Google Scholar 

  • Squier CA (1981) The effect of stretching on formation of myofibroblasts in mouse skin. Cell Tissue Res 220:325–335

    Google Scholar 

  • Tomasek JJ, Schultz RJ, Episalla CW, Newman SA, Valhalla WY (1986) The cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix of the Dupuytren's disease “myofibroblast”: an immunofluorescence study of a nonmuscle cell type. J Hand Surg 11A:365–371

    Google Scholar 

  • Vardy PH, Bryden MM (1981) The kidney of Leptonychotes weddelli (Pinnipedia: Phocidae) with some observations on the kidneys of two other Southern phocid seals. J Morphol 167:13–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Wight TN, Ross R (1975) Proteoglycans in primate arteries II. Synthesis and secretion of glycosaminoglycans by arterial smooth muscle cells in culture. J Cell Biol 67:675–686

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada

    J. D. Newstead

Authors
  1. J. D. Newstead
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Newstead, J.D. Smooth muscle and myofibroblast-like cells in the perimedullary stromal basket of kidneys from ringed seals (Phoca hispida). Cell Tissue Res. 250, 401–411 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00219084

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00219084

Key words

Search

Navigation