Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Alterations in glomerular filtration can considerably influence the dynamics and functions of the Bowman capsule. Despite the potentially important role in maintaining normal renal functions, few studies have focused on Bowman capsule volume in normal human kidneys. METHODS: We analyzed specimens from biopsies performed 1 hour after kidney transplantation from living donors without apparent renal disease. The measurements of all cross-sectional areas of the Bowman capsules and glomerular capillaries were used to estimate the mean Bowman capsule volume (BV) and glomerular capillary volume (GV) in each subject. The G/B ratio was defined as the ratio of GV to BV. The morphometric findings were examined in relation to the clinical findings in donors just before kidney transplantation. RESULTS: We analyzed 37 adults with a mean creatinine clearance of 111 ml/min. The mean BV and GV of these subjects were 6.10 ± 2.46 × 10(6) μm(3) and 3.83 ± 1.52 × 10(6) μm(3), respectively. Both the BV and GV varied up to 6-fold and were significantly higher in elderly, obese, or hypertensive subjects in comparison to nonelderly, nonobese, or normotensive subjects, whereas the renal function of each subgroup was similar. The G/B ratio (0.63 ± 0.05) was unaffected, and BV and GV were strongly correlated regardless of these clinical factors (r = 0.980 [95% confidence interval = 0.961-0.990], P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In the normal adult kidney, there may be an optimal BV to GV ratio for maintaining effective filtration in a variety of clinical situations, including advanced age, obesity, and hypertension.