Direct in vivo visualization of glomerular microcirculation by intravital pencil lens-probe CCD videomicroscopy

There have been developed several types of experimental techniques for evaluation of renal microcirculation. Although each methodology possesses excellent and unique characteristics, it requires substantial artificial manipulation that might alter the renal microvascular responsiveness. To circumvent such limitations of previous ex vivo or in vitro approaches to glomerular microcirculation, we have developed a pencil lens probe CCD intravital videomicroscopic system that allows us to evaluate both systemic hemodynamics and renal microcirculation. Furthermore, real time images of afferent and efferent arterioles as well as glomeruli can be continuously assessed, which would facilitate the functional characterization of these microvessels in vivo. Finally, the tapered nature of the CCD probe of this videomicroscopy may allow direct observation of the renal microvasculature in small animals. In conclusion, this novel technique is a valuable tool for unveiling the in vivo, in situ, and intact renal microvascular behavior, and may provide further approaches to the understanding of renal microcirculation.