Examining the mechanisms of renal microvascular alterations in disease and the ramifications they have for overall organ function has remained a challenge due to the complexity of the renal microvascular system and the inability to examine it with sufficient resolution in vivo. However, advances in intravital microscopy have provided opportunities to meet these challenges. In this review we will examine specific areas where intravital imaging has advanced our knowledge of renal disease processes and present areas where these techniques, especially intravital multiphoton microscopy, have even further potential to integrate our knowledge of renal vascular pathology.
2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.