Application of red laser video-rate scanning confocal microscopy to in vivo assessment of tubular function in the rat:: selective action of diuretics on tubular diameter

This study examined the use of a red laser illuminated, video-rate scanning confocal reflection microscopy (VRSCM) system, with improved structural and functional imaging at high temporal resolution, to visualize physiological changes in the kidney in response to pharmacological stimuli. We applied VRSCM to superficial nephrons in vivo and measured temporal changes in the diameter of proximal and/or distal tubular segments in response to the administration of three major classes of diuretics with known selective actions at specific nephron sites. Mannitol caused measurable increases in both proximal and distal tubular diameter, whereas frusemide and hydrochlorothiazide caused dilation of the distal tubules only. The findings indicate that VRSCM is capable of detecting and quantifying predicted dynamic changes in renal tubular diameter.