Table Two: Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells

A renal tubular epithelial (RTE) cell is distinguished by its eccentrically placed nucleus. RTE cells may be round, oval, columnar, or cuboidal. Observation of RTE
cells in the urine sediment is more significant than observation of the other types of epithelial cells. Oval fat bodies are RTE cells that have absorbed lipids in the
urinary filtrate. Their identity can be confirmed using polarized microscopy and lipid stains.

Description
Epithelial Cell Size Image Significance
Shape Nucleus
Renal tubular Origin: PCT: Large PCT and DCT: Increased RTE cells in urine is
epithelial Proximal with granular Small, round indicative of renal tubular
(RTE) convoluted cytoplasm and dense nucleus, necrosis and decreased kidney
tubules oblong shape. eccentrically function.
(PCT) DCT: Small located
20-60 m with granular
Origin: Distal cytoplasm and
convoluted round or oval
tubules shape.
(DCT)
14-25 m
Origin: Smooth Large, Same as above
Collecting cytoplasm moderately
Ducts with columnar dense;
12-20 m or cuboidal eccentrically
forms. located

Page 1 of 2, revised July 1, 2016

Table Two: Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells
Description
Epithelial Cell Size Image Significance
Shape Nucleus
RTE: Varies with Varies with Eccentrically Oval fat bodies are RTE cells that
Oval fat bodies area of oval area of oval fat located, but have either absorbed lipids from
fat body body difficult to the tubular lumen or from
formation formation distinguish degeneration of lipids within the
cell.

They indicate extreme glomerular

damage and renal tubular cell
death.

The presence of oval fat bodies

can be confirmed using lipid
stains, such as Sudan III or Oil Red
O, or polarized microscopy, as
shown in the bottom image. The
"maltese cross" formation is
associated with the presence of
cholesterol.

Page 2 of 2, revised July 1, 2016