New imaging tools to measure nephron number <i>in vivo</i>: opportunities for developmental nephrology
Kevin M. Bennett, Edwin J. Baldelomar, Darya Morozov, Robert L. Chevalier, Jennifer R. Charlton
Abstract
The mammalian kidney is a complex organ, requiring the concerted function of up to millions of nephrons. The number of nephrons is constant after nephrogenesis during development, and nephron loss over a life span can lead to susceptibility to acute or chronic kidney disease. New technologies are under development to count individual nephrons in the kidney in vivo. This review outlines these technologies and highlights their relevance to studies of human renal development and disease.
Topics & Concepts
NephronNephrologyKidney diseaseIn vivoKidneyRenal functionHuman kidneyMedicineLife spanBiologyInternal medicinePathologyPhysiologyEvolutionary biologyBiotechnologyBirth, Development, and HealthRenal and related cancersPediatric Urology and Nephrology Studies