Epithelial Cells of the Nephron

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the framework of the nephron in the kidney is made up of epithelial cells. The author points out that there are two types of nephrons, cortical and juxtamedullary, and they are named according to the location within the renal parenchyma. The paper relates that epithelial cells that make up the nephron must be able to preserve nutrients and materials required by the body and return them to circulation, while leaving wastes, toxins and excess water to be expelled. The author states that the epithelia are described by the number of layers and the shape of the cells at the edge closest to the exterior environment, thus helping to prevent bacteria and other foreign materials from entering the body. The paper continues that the epithelial cells of the nephron permit the kidney to have particular functions that include controlling blood pressure.

From the Paper:

"Epithelium lines the surfaces of the body and is positioned on the borders between the exterior and interior environments. Epithelium is a tissue composed of cells, bound tightly together with no intercellular connective tissue. These cells derive their food and oxygen from the tissue fluid that filters through from the capillaries in the underlying connective tissue. The epithelium develops in the embryo from all the three germ layers; ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm. The epithelium is derived from mesenchyme cells that mature into connective tissue, bone, cartilage, blood and the lymphatic system."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Brown, Dennis, Ivan Sabolic, and Sylvie Breton. "Membrane-Macro-and Microdomains in Electrolyte Transporting Epithelia: Structure -Function Correlations." The Kidney-Physiology and Pathophysiology (2000): 655-684. 17 Apr. 2008.
• Chmielewski, Christine. "Renal Anatomy and Overview of Nephron Function." Nephrology Nursing Journal 30 (2003): 185-191. 17 Apr. 2008.
• Elberg, G., Lewis, T.V., Guruswamy S., Chen, L., Logan, C.J., Chan, M.D., Turman, M.A., "EP2 receptor mediates PGE2-induced cystogenesis of human renal epithelial cells". American Journal Physiology Renal Physiology, Nov 2007; 293: F1622 - F1632. Blackburn College, Carlinville.16 February 2008.
• Gobe, Glenda, and David Johnson. "Distal Tubular Epithelial Cells of the Kidney: Potential Support for Proximal Tubular Cell Survival After Renal Injury." The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology 39 (2007): 1551-1561. Science Direct. 17 Apr. 2008.
• Grbesa, and Djurdijica . "Structure and Function of the Kidney." Journal of Physiology 1080 (2000): 2-10. 17 Apr. 2008.

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