An analogue-computer simulation of the facultative water-reabsorption process in the human kidney--a vascular role for a.d.h.

Abstract

This paper describes an analogue-computer simulation of the control of blood osmolality by means of water transfer from the distal tubule and collecting duct through the medulla to the vasa recta. The simulation, when subject to the separate tests of water ingestion and saline injection, produces realistic results when compared with the records of similar tests on humans and on experimental animals. To achieve the satisfactory overall performance from the simulation, it was necessary to include factors which are consistent with a dual role for a.d.h. In the model, the effect of a.d.h is not only to change the permeability of the tubular epithelium, but also to alter the blood-flow rate and hydrostatic pressure in the vasa recta.