Another type of epithelial cell is the renal tubular epithelial cell. The proximal and distal convoluted tubules are the sites of origin for one form of these cells. They occur singly and are large (14-60 microns). Papanicolaou stain is useful in distinguishing renal tubular cells from other mononuclear cells in urine. Increased numbers of proximal and distal convoluted renal epithelial cells are seen in cases of acute tubular necrosis and certain drug or heavy metal intoxication.
