Abstract
Macula Densa (MD) cells, located at the boundary of the cortical thick ascending limb and the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron, act as a signal sensor‐transmitter complex for glomerular filtration rate regulation. We developed a mathematical model of an MD cell based on solute and water conservation and electroneutrality constraints. The model includes representations of major transport pathways across the cell membranes: Na+‐K+‐2Clcotransporter, Na+/H+‐exchangers, H+ (Na+)/K+‐ ATPase, aquaporins, and renal outer medulla K+, maxi‐anion, and non‐selective cation channels. We simulated two cases: (1) an increase in luminal [NaCl] from 25 to 150 mM, and (2) a decrease from 150 to 25 mM, and obtained steady‐state cytosolic [Na+] of ~70 mM and ~ 30 mM for case (1) and (2), respectively. These results are in agreement with in vitro experiments from MD cells in rabbits.Research supported by MBRS‐RISE grant 2R25GM061151–09 and by NIH‐NIGMS grant SC1GM084744.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
