Digital characterization of the renal glomeruli by the Saltykov method

The characterization of the glomerular structure by the Saltykov method employing an image analyzer is described. The method presented allows the analyst to quantitatively evaluate the morphology of the renal glomeruli. Sample preparation, digitization, image processing and analysis are also described and illustrated. The resulting volumetric glomeruli distribution is presented. As expected, the size distribution shows that the glomeruli present high sphericity and volumes in a narrow range of values.