Ultrastructure in Biological Systems, Volume 2: Ultrastructure of the Kidney provides an overview of the state of knowledge on the ultrastructure of the mammalian kidney. The application of the electron microscope to studies of the kidney resulted in the demonstration of the hitherto undetected early thickening of the basement membrane of glomerular capillaries in glomerulonephritis. Yet many problems remain, particularly in relation to the correlation between function and the ultrastructure of components of the kidney—mesangium, glomerulus, juxtaglomerular apparatus, and the renal tubules. It is only recently that the mesangium has come to be accepted as real, and many questions remain as to the function of its cells. The existence of true membranes between foot processes of the epithelial cells of glomeruli is a newly established fact; but what this has to do with glomerular filtration is not known at present. Granules apparently secretory in nature have been identified in cells of the juxtaglomerular apparatus, but so far their presence has not been correlated with specific functional change. Artifacts introduced at fixation are now known to have considerable relevance in interpreting the ultrastructure of the normal nephron. These are paraphrased views of the contributors to this monograph who, while acquainting the reader with the research being carried on in these areas, have also brought into focus the many problems still awaiting solution.

This volume, focusing on the ureter and the diseases which involve it, is an updated second edition. Many journals and textbooks deal with the physiology, pathology, diagnosis, and therapy of derangements of the urinary tract. In most instances, however, the discussion properly centers on the disease process itself and its primary aspects, with only a tan gential description of effects on the ureter. The editor is therefore correct that the ureter itself should be considered a major organ. Though it has been regarded in the recent past as a simple muscular tube, reacting to stretching or filling by contraction, this simplistic view of ureteral phys iology is changing fast. With expanded knowledge of ureteral physiology, a pharmacology is developing which is becoming useful to the clinician in many ways. One of the most interesting aspects of the ureter is its role in inducing the permanent kidney, the metanephros. Relatively slight displacements in the origin of the ureteral bud result in ectopic ureteral orifices and a wide range of congenital anomalies. An ureteral bud which arises medial to the normal position at the genu of the mesonephric duct results in a lateral, and usually incompetent, ureterovesical junction after the duct is taken up to form a portion ofthe trigone. This appears certainly to be the developmental mechanism which results in primary reflux.

A complete update on the safety testing of foods, drugs, and chemicals in laboratory animals, featuring: - a thorough review of each subject area with extensive revision in line with new information and concepts - electron micrographs in exquisite detail to illustrate results of recent research - the effects of many carcinogens described succinctly and illustrated in detail - neoplasms described in detail and compared with natural and induced tumours in other species - standardised nomenclature. Of interest to those interested in the many applications to human patients, Urinary System: - facilitates uniform interpretation of bioassay results world-wide - provides a basis for understanding mechanisms involved in the functions and malfunctions of the most minute, but important structures of the kidneys - explains the functional significance of details by identifying the composition of structures at the molecular level. Forming a solid basis for understanding the causes and effects of disease of the urinary system, this is essential reading for pathologists, toxicologists, regulatory agencies, and all those involved in carcinogenicity and toxicity studies.

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Ultrastructure Atlas of Human Tissues presents a variety of scanning and transmission electron microscope images of the major systems of the human body. Photography with the electron microscope records views of the intricate substructures and microdesigns of objects and tissues, and reveals details within them inaccessible to the naked eye or light microscope. Many of these views have significance in understanding normal structure and function, as well as disease processes. This book offers a unique and comprehensive look at the structure and function of tissues at the subcellular and molecular level, an important perspective in understanding and combating diseases. • Presents the major systems of the human body through scanning and transmission electron microscope images • Has images prepared almost exclusively from human tissues • Includes electron micrographs of common pathologies such as fibrotic and emphysemic lung, kidney stones, sickle cell anemia, and skin parasites • Contains sets of 3D images in most chapters