The morphology of mesangial cells cultured at high density and in collagen gels

S. Maile1, B. Zimmermann1, M. Ketteler3 and H.-J. Merker2

1Institut of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, 2Institute of Anatomy and 3Department of Human Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Universitätsklinikum Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany

Offprint requests to: Prof. Dr. H.-J. Merker, Institut für Anatomie, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Strasse 15, D-14195 Berlin, Germany. Fax: 30 - 8445 1763

Summary. Primary mesangial cells (rat) from mono-layer cultures of the 6th to 12th passage and permanent SV40 Mes13 cells were grown at high density in organoid culture at the medium/air interphase. After adaptation to the in vitro conditions, both mesangial cell types developed after 7 days a synthesis apparatus (endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus) and produced matrix which consisted of Lamina densa-like material, collagenous fibrils and filaments. Unspecific contacts, gap junctions and adhesion belts could be demonstrated in the contact areas. Additionally, some cells exhibited thick bundles of actin filaments. A close resemblance of the mesangial cells in high density culture to those in vivo can, therefore, be stated. Hence, they differentiated with regard to their matrix formation, contraction and contact behaviour and can therefore be used for experimental studies within a short culture period of 7 days. Cell aggregates in monolayer culture and in cultures in collagen gels had not differentiated at this stage. Histol. Histopathol. 15, 403-414 (2000)

Key words: Morphology, High density cells cultures, Collagen gels