Multiphoton imaging reveals differences in mitochondrial function between nephron segments.

ABSTRACT: Mitochondrial dysfunction may play a role in the pathogenesis of several renal diseases. Although functional roles and metabolic demands differ among tubule segments, relatively little is known about the properties of mitochondria in different parts of the nephron. Clinically, the proximal tubule seems particularly vulnerable to mitochondrial toxicity. In this study, we used multiphoton imaging of live rat kidney slices to investigate differences in mitochondrial function along the nephron. The mitochondrial membrane potential was markedly higher in distal than proximal tubules. Inhibition of respiration rapidly collapsed the membrane potential in proximal tubules, but potential was better maintained in distal tubules. Inhibition of the F1F(o)-ATPase abolished this difference, suggesting t

SUBMITTER: Hall AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2689904 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature