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Estimating Nephron Number in the Developing Kidney Using the Physical Disector/Fractionator Combination

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Kidney Development

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology™ ((MIMB,volume 886))

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Abstract

Design-based stereology is considered the gold-standard method for estimating the total number of glomeruli, and thereby nephrons, in the adult kidney. However, until recently, a design-based method for estimating nephron number in the developing kidney was not available. For such a method to provide accurate and precise estimates, unambiguous identification of developing nephrons is essential. Here, we describe a combined histochemical/stereological technique for estimating total nephron number in the developing mouse and rat kidney. The method can be modified for use in other species.

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Correspondence to John F. Bertram .

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Cullen-McEwen, L.A., Armitage, J.A., Nyengaard, J.R., Bertram, J.F. (2012). Estimating Nephron Number in the Developing Kidney Using the Physical Disector/Fractionator Combination. In: Michos, O. (eds) Kidney Development. Methods in Molecular Biology™, vol 886. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-851-1_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-851-1_10

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-61779-850-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-61779-851-1

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