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¹ Department of Anatomy, University College London, UK² Centre for Nephrology and Department of Physiology, Royal Free & University College Medical School, London, UK³ Department of Nephrology, Second University of Naples, Italy

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.

(Received 7 August 2003; accepted after revision 15 December 2003)
Corresponding author D.G Shirley: Centre for Nephrology, Institute of Urology and Nephrology, Middlesex Hospital, Mortimer Street, London, W1W 7EY. E-mail: david.shirley{at}ucl.ac.uk