Agarose method for the preparation of isolated glomeruli from human renal biopsies.

We present a technique using glomeruli which are removed by dissection from human renal biopsies and processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Firstly, glomeruli are dissected and isolated from the specimen. Secondly, the collected glomeruli are embedded in agarose with a low gelling temperature. Finally, the embedded glomeruli are processed in the same way as whole pieces of tissue using standard methods for TEM. We have successfully prepared several hundred specimens using this simple and reliable technique. Provided that care is taken to prevent mechanical damage to the glomeruli during collection, no severe artifacts are introduced into the tissue. Even a single glomerulus can be isolated and processed in this way.