Differentiation of renal intercalated cells in fetal and postnatal rats

Summary An ultrastructural study was conducted on the kidneys from rat fetuses and pups from ages ranging from birth to 8 weeks to identify the time of appearance of each of the two intercalated cell types. With transmission electron microscopy, A-intercalated cells were recognized by their large apical microvilli and microplicae as well as by the numerous subapical vesicles. Their identification was confirmed by the presence of typical studs at the cytoplasmic face of the apical plasma membrane. By scanning electron microscopy the cells were recognized by their typical microplicae at the apical surface. In 19-day-old fetuses and newborns, A-intercalated cells were numerous in the epithelium lining the renal pelvis and inner medullary intercalated ducts. Two weeks after birth they disappeared from these regions but became numerous at the outer medullary collecting ducts and also at the cortical collecting ducts although to a lesser degree. B-intercalated cells were recognized by the scarcity of microvilli, the absence of microplicae, and the large number of basal infoldings. Their identification was confirmed by the presence of studs at the cytoplasmic face of the basolateral membrane. B-cells started to appear 3 weeks after birth and increased thereafter. We speculate that the particular stages at which the two cell types differentiate might be related to changes in acid-base status.