Lactate sensitive cells in newt kidneys

Abstract

Specimens of Triturus cristatus carnifex (Laurenti), raised in 3.2 g/l solution of sodium lactate, presented hypertrophy of "lactate sensitive cells" (LSC) clustered at the vascular pole of each renal corpuscle. As seen under both the light and electron microscopes, these are specialized cells of the Bowman's capsule located at the junction between its visceral and parietal layers. The structure formed by the cells, heretofore unknown, is topographically associated with the juxtaglomerular apparatus. As lactate stimulates erythropoiesis even in normal oxygenated specimens and hypoxia induces hypertrophy of LSC in newts, it is hypothesized that the LSC are the site of erythropoietin (ESF) synthesis. A scheme of ESF biogenesis in newts, integrating the above principles, concludes the paper.