Dr. Herrmann wins the award for her publication entitled "Semi-automated quantitative image analysis of podocyte desmin immunoreactivity as a sensitive marker for acute glomerular damage in the rat puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis (PAN) model" (1). With her well designed experiments, Dr. Herrmann has characterized the expression of desmin in rat kidney podocytes in the puromycin aminonucleoside model by histology and immunohistochemistry coupled with image analysis. The investigation of the model was completed with the application of a number of urinary biomarkers in this common model of podocyte toxicity. All results were clearly presented and comprehensively discussed.

With this work, Dr. Hermann developed desmin from a qualitiative marker of podocyte injury further towards a quantitative marker with the option of semiautomated or even automated assessment. This approach may be applicable for the characterization of other glomerular toxicants.

References:

1. Herrmann A, Tozzo E, Funk J (2012) Semi-automated quantitative image analysis of podocyte desmin immunoreactivity as a sensitive marker for acute glomerular damage in the rat puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis (PAN) model. Exp Toxicol Pathol 64: 45–49

Uppsala, September 09, 2011

* supported by Novartis Pharma AG