A cell that is a specialized type of pericyte providing structural support for the capillary loops of kidney. A flat, elongated cell with extensive fine cytoplasmic processes found outside the kidney glomerulus near the macula densa and bound laterally by afferent and efferent arterioles. Being phagocytic, this cell participates in the continuous turnover of the basal lamina by removing its outer portion containing residues of filtration, while the lamina is renewed on its inner surface by the endothelial cells. [ http:/www.copewithcytokines.de/cope.cgi?key=Lacis%20cells http://openisbn.com/search.php?q=0412046911&isbn=1/ GOC:tfm ]