In order to detect apoptotic cells in the kidney, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method is used in tissue sections. But the number of apoptotic cells per glomerulus in several experimental models of nephritides is about 1 per single tissue section even at peak levels. In this study, we have reported that the TUNEL method and immunostaining of cell-specific markers to a whole isolated glomerulus in combination with laser scan microscopy are potentially useful methods for the analysis of cell turnover within glomeruli. © 1997 S. Karger AG, Basel.