Abstract:
This laboratory is involved in studies to determine the mechanism(s) responsible for cellular injury to the kidney during shock wave lithotripsy for the treatment of upper urinary tract stones. The studies are performed using an electrohydraulic lithotripter (Dornier HM3) and injury to isolated, cultured renal tubular epithelial cells was assessed. In this demonstration our experiences with the practical aspects of performing in vitro SW exposures are shared. Issues to be discussed and/or demonstrated include the following: (a) choice of cultured cell models and the handling of isolated cells, (b) factors that influence in vitro cell injury, (c) selection and preparation of specimen vials, (d) lithotripter setup and operation, (e) positioning the specimen and control of exposure parameters, (f) electrode performance and variability, (g) characterization of waveforms and determination of SW pressures, (h) markers of cell injury and cell response to SW insult, and (i) safety in the lithotripsy suite. [Work supported by NIH Program Project Grant No. PO1 43881: Role of SWL in renal injury and stone comminution.]