Deep Nephrons Research Articles

Mechanisms for escape from the salt-retaining effects of mineralocorticoids: role of deep nephrons.

Mechanisms for escape from the salt-retaining effects of mineralocorticoids: role of deep nephrons.

Role of renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure in natriuretic response to ANP

The present study evaluated the role of changes in renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure (RIHP) in the natriuretic response to atriopeptin III (AP III). In control animals, infusion of AP III (100 ng.kg-1.min-1 iv) increased fractional excretion of sodium, potassium, lithium, and water while glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow were unaltered. The natriuretic response to AP III was associated with a significant elevation in RIHP from 5.6 +/- 0.8 to 8.1 +/- 1.0 mmHg. In rats pretreated with amiloride (1 mg/kg) to block sodium transport in the collecting duct, basal sodium excretion was elevated, but infusion of AP III still increased RIHP and the fractional excretion of sodium, water, and lithium by the same amount as was observed in the control animals. Removal of the renal capsule completely blocked the rise in interstitial pressure in the renal cortex in amiloride-treated rats, but it did not eliminate the elevation in sodium, water, and lithium excretion produced by AP III. To determine whether changes in renal medullary interstitial pressure could play a role in the residual natriuretic response to AP III in these animals, cortical and medullary interstitial pressure were simultaneously measured in rats with a decapsulated kidney. In this group, AP III increased renal medullary interstitial pressure, while cortical interstitial pressure was unaltered. These results are consistent with the view that changes in renal medullary hemodynamics and RIHP contribute to the natriuretic effect of atrial natriuretic peptide by elevating distal delivery of sodium from deep nephrons.

Functional studies in experimental renal cortical necrosis in the rat.

Necrosis of the outer two-thirds of the cortex (CN) was induced with boiling water in the left kidney of rats. Two days afterward, morphological damage was shown to be limited to the superficial cortex; deep nephron population was well-preserved. Glucose reabsorption under basal and glucose loading conditions, and extraction of p-aminohippurate, used as indices of proximal tubule integrity, were normal in control and experimental kidneys 48 h after cortical necrosis. Basal fractional water and electrolyte excretion did not differ between control and experimental kidneys. Calculated mean single-nephron glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and plasma flow for superficial (SupGFR and SupNPF) and juxtamedullary nephrons (JMGFR and JMPF) were similar to those obtained by micropuncture and Hanssen's technique for SupGFR, and for JMGFR by Hanssen's. Volume expansion led to a 27% increase in calculated SupGFR, but no change in JMGFR. The JMPF increased by 81%, whereas SupNPF increased by only 23%, suggesting that, in this model, GFR of deep nephrons may be independent of plasma flow. The results indicate that deep nephrons retain their functional integrity 48 h after cortical necrosis. After volume expansion fractional excretion of sodium was greater, and fractional water reabsorption less, in CN than in control kidneys. Thus handling of sodium and water by superficial and deep nephrons under basal conditions was similar, but reabsorptive capacity for deep nephrons of CN was lower during volume expansion. The present studies suggest that deep nephrons can maintain relatively normal function in cortical necrosis.

Contribution of superficial nephron segments to sodium excretion in experimental glomerulonephritis

The present study examined the contribution of individual superficial nephron segments to sodium excretion in antiglomerular basement membrane nephritis in the rat by sampling the same nephron successively from the end and beginning of the distal tubule and end of the proximal tubule. Whole kidney GFR in glomerulonephritic rats was reduced by approximately 40% from controls; absolute sodium excretion was about 25% of normal. Metabolic balance studies in the awake state had suggested that the animals were in sodium balance. Plasma renin levels before and during micropuncture were similar to controls. These findings suggest that the defect in sodium handling is intrinsic to the kidney. Glomerulotubular balance was maintained along the proximal tubule. Sodium reabsorption in the loop of Henle was reduced in absolute terms but was proportional to the load delivered. Due to the decreased absolute sodium reabsorption in the preceding segments, sodium delivery to the beginning of the distal tubule was comparable in the two groups of animals. Along the distal tubule sodium reabsorption was comparable to control animals. Therefore, the avid urinary sodium retention seen during micropuncture was due to increased sodium reabsorption by segments past the superficial proximal tubule and/or by deep nephrons.

Superficial distal and deep nephrons in correction of metabolic alkalosis

Chloride is necessary and sufficient to correct alkalosis induced by dialysis vs. 0.15 M NaHCO3. To determine the contribution of the cortical (SC) distal convolution (DCT) and juxtamedullary (JM) nephrons to correction, we examined Cl and total CO2 (tCO2) transport in alkalotic Sprague-Dawley rats infused with 5% dextrose (group DM) or with 5% dextrose and 80 mM Cl (group CC); in papillary studies in alkalotic Munich-Wistar rats, 6% albumin was added to the infusate. In cortical studies, changes in plasma Cl and tCO2 were 4.9 +/- 0.7 vs. 0.7 +/- 0.9 and -6.0 +/- 0.8 vs. 0.4 +/- 0.9 meq/l and in tCO2 excretion (133 +/- 28 vs. -8 +/- 10 mueq/min) in groups CC and DM, respectively; results in papillary studies were similar. Delivery of tCO2 out of late SC DCT (CC 146 +/- 20 and DM 146 +/- 23 pmol/min) and Henle's loop (CC 145 +/- 18 and DM 202 +/- 56 pmol/min) and reabsorption within DCT (CC 15 +/- 24 and DM 45 +/- 19 pmol/min) did not differ. During correction of chloride-depletion alkalosis, the increment in bicarbonate excretion does not emanate from DCT of SC nephrons or JM nephrons but rather from the collecting duct.

Renal tubular transport of glutathione in rat kidney.

Filtered glutathione (gamma-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine or GSH) is rapidly hydrolyzed by brush-border enzymes facing the tubular lumen and is reabsorbed in the form of the constituent amino acids. The first step of hydrolysis is catalyzed by gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT). We investigated localization and capacity of the rat renal glutathione degradation/reabsorption during elevation of the filtered load (intravenous infusion of 12 resp. 18 mumol GSH/min). Fractional excretion went up from about 0.003 to 0.31 +/- 0.02 SEM during infusion of the lower and to 0.49 +/- 0.03 SEM during infusion of the higher glutathione dose. GSH degradation/reabsorption took place along the entire proximal tubule and was partially saturated by a 150-200-fold elevation of the normal filtered load. Net reabsorption of GSH up to the last accessible superficial loop was significantly lower during infusion of 18 mumol GSH/min (0.3 mumol/min) than during infusion of 12 mumol GSH/min (1.6 mumol/min). In further experiments, infusion of 18 mumol GSH/min was preceded by the i.v. administration of acivicin (0.5 mmol/kg body wt.), an inhibitor of gamma-GT. In these experiments, fractional glutathione deliveries to late proximal and early distal tubules did not significantly differ from 1, fractional excretion of GSH at the same time was 1.46 +/- 0.11 SEM, revealing net secretion of GSH with the final urine. Tubular secretion of GSH in the acivicin-treated animals occurred either in distal tubules and/or collecting ducts or in the proximal tubules of deep nephrons which are not accessible to micropuncture.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of intrarenal volume expansion on proximal sodium reabsorption.

The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of direct expansion of the renal interstitial volume on sodium reabsorption by proximal tubules of superficial and deep nephrons in the absence of systemic extracellular volume expansion. Renal interstitial volume expansion was achieved by injection of 50 microliter of 2.5% albumin in 0.9% saline into the renal interstitium via a polyethylene matrix that was chronically implanted in the interstitium of the rat kidney. Renal interstitial volume expansion increased renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure from 3.8 +/- 0.5 to 6.8 +/- 1.1 mmHg, P less than 0.05 (n = 5 rats). Fractional reabsorption of sodium by the superficial late proximal tubule decreased from 45.7 +/- 5.6 to 34.2 +/- 5.4%, P less than 0.05, and by the proximal tubule and descending limb of Henle's loop of deep nephrons it decreased from 73.9 +/- 2.9 to 57.2 +/- 6.3%, P less than 0.05 (n = 8 rats). Thus expansion of the renal interstitial volume increased renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure and decreased sodium reabsorption by the proximal tubules of superficial and deep nephrons.

Pressure-diuresis in volume-expanded rats. Tubular reabsorption in superficial and deep nephrons.

Micropuncture experiments were performed in volume-expanded rats to better define the nephron segments in which changes in renal perfusion pressure inhibit tubular reabsorption. Neural influences on the kidney were eliminated by renal denervation, and plasma levels of vasopressin, aldosterone, corticosterone, and norepinephrine were maintained at fixed levels by i.v. infusion. Fractional excretion of sodium, chloride, and water increased markedly after renal perfusion pressure was elevated from 110 to 150 mm Hg. Renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, and single nephron glomerular filtration rate measured from deep and superficial nephrons were unsaltered. Reabsorption of chloride and water in the proximal tubule of superficial nephrons decreased by 10% after renal perfusion pressure was elevated and contributed to the pressure-diuretic response. Changes in renal perfusion pressure also altered the reabsorption of water and chloride in juxtamedullary nephrons. The percentage of the filtered water load reaching the tip of the loop of Henle increased from 19.8 +/- 2.9 to 38.1 +/- 3.0% after renal perfusion pressure was elevated. Chloride delivery rose from 34.2 +/- 4.3 to 65.2 +/- 4.8% of the filtered load. These results support the view that alterations in medullary hemodynamics participate in the pressure-natriuretic response by inhibiting tubular reabsorption in the proximal tubule or the thin descending limb of the loop of Henle (or both) of juxtamedullary nephrons.

Innervation of the thick ascending limb of Henle.

The overlap of accumulations of autoradiographic grains (AAGs) on profiles of the thick ascending limb of Henle (TALH) was measured in autoradiograms of sections from rat kidneys with monoaminergic nerves labeled by means of tritiated norepinephrine. The amount of AAG overlap was used as an indirect means of quantifying innervation along the TALHs of superficial, mid-cortical, and juxtamedullary nephrons. The density of innervation along the TALH showed nephron heterogeneity; the juxtamedullary nephrons with a high pre- and postjuxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) TALH density of innervation and the upper and midcortical nephrons with high TALH innervation densities at the level of the JGA. The pre-JGA TALH of the juxtamedullary nephrons had a significantly higher (P less than 0.001) density of innervation than the midcortical or superficial nephrons. The TALHs of juxtamedullary nephrons were found to have substantially more innervation than the TALHs of the other nephrons. For all three populations of nephrons, the pre-JGA TALH had the greatest amount of innervation. Neural regulation of TALH function would occur mainly along the pre-JGA and level of the JGA TALH. This regulation would increase TALH NaCl reabsorption (decrease luminal NaCl concentration) and therefore influence 1) the urinary concentrating mechanism, and 2) renin secretion via the macula densa mechanism. The innervation of the TALH was predominantly associated with the vasculature of the TALH's own nephron. However, innervation associated with medullary ray capillary beds from deeper nephrons was observed on pre-JGA TALHs from superficial and midcortical nephrons.

Role of the urinary concentrating process in the renal effects of high protein intake

High protein diet is known to increase glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and induce kidney hypertrophy. The mechanisms underlying these changes are not understood. Since the mammalian kidney comprises different nephron segments located in well-delineated zones, it is conceivable that the hypertrophy does not affect all kidney zones and all nephron segments uniformly. The present experiments were designed to study the chronic effects of high or low isocaloric protein diets (HP = 32% or LP = 10% casein, respectively) on kidney function and morphology in Sprague-Dawley rats. HP diet induced significant increases in kidney mass, GFR, free water clearance, and maximum urine concentrating ability. Kidney hypertrophy was characterized by: 1. a preferential increase in thickness of the inner stripe of the outer medulla (IS) (+54%, P less than 0.001, while total kidney height, from cortex to papillary tip, increased only by 18%); 2. a marked hypertrophy of the thick ascending limbs (TAL) in the inner stripe (+40% epithelium volume/unit tubular length, P less than 0.05) but not in the outer stripe nor in the cortex; 3. an increase in heterogeneity of glomeruli between superficial (S) and deep (D) nephrons (D/S = 1.47 in HP vs. 1.17 in LP, P less than 0.05). In contrast, normal kidney growth with age and kidney hypertrophy induced by uninephrectomy were not accompanied by preferential enlargement of IS structures. The morphologic changes induced by high protein intake parallel those we previously reported in rats fed a normal diet (25% protein) but in which the operation of the urine concentrating mechanism was chronically stimulated by ADH infusion or by reduction in water intake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

NaCl and Ca delivery at the bend of rat deep nephrons decreases during antidiuresis.

The effects of 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP) on superficial and juxtamedullary nephrons were investigated by micropuncture in diabetes insipidus (DI) Brattleboro rats chronically treated with the peptide. The rats, acutely deprived of endogenous calcitonin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and glucagon [hormone-deprived (HD) rats], were examined either 4 days after cessation of dDAVP treatment (HDT, control diuretic rats) or when the treatment was continued until the micropuncture experiment, during which dDAVP was also given intravenously (HDT + dDAVP, experimental nondiuretic rats). In the presence of dDAVP, the reabsorption of Cl, Na, Mg, and Ca by the superficial loop of Henle was significantly increased, as previously observed in HD-untreated rats during acute infusion of dDAVP. The effects on the superficial distal tubule were also similar. The effects on K, however, were different both in the loop and in the distal tubule. At the bend of the juxtamedullary nephrons, the treatment alone (HDT rats) increased fractional delivery (FD%) of Na and Cl, whereas FD% of Mg, Ca, K, and P was unaltered. In HDT + dDAVP rats, FD% of H2O, Cl, Na, and Ca was significantly lower than in HDT rats, and FD% of K, Mg, and P did not differ significantly. In conclusion, in the presence of dDAVP, the FD% of H2O, Na, and Cl at the bend of the long-loop nephrons decreases, in accordance with our previous hypothesis that water removal along the rat descending limb increases outward NaCl diffusion along this segment.

Role of prostaglandin and angiotensin II in ANP-induced natriuresis.

The aim of the present study was to examine if the natriuresis induced by a dose of ANP that does not alter glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or mean arterial pressure (MAP) is accompanied by changes in renin release urinary excretion of prostaglandins and intrarenal blood flow distribution. It was found that the intrarenal infusion of ANP (8-33) at a dose of 0.05 micrograms/kg min in seven anaesthetized dogs did not produce any change in GFR or MAP, but its natriuretic effect was similar to that induced by a larger dose (0.3 micrograms/kg min, n = 5) that produces significant changes in both MAP and GFR. The natriuresis induced by the lower dose of ANP was associated with a redistribution of RBF to the deep cortical nephrons and with an increase (p less than 0.05) in urinary excretion of prostaglandins E2 and 6 keto-F1 alpha. Renin secretion rate decreased by a 54% (p less than 0.05). The role of angiotensin II (AII) suppression on the natriuresis induced by ANP was examine in another experimental group (n = 6). It was found that the infusion of ANP during fixed intrarenal levels of AII produced a natriuretic effect that was significantly lower (38%) than that produced by the infusion of ANP alone. The results of this study show that the natriuresis induced by ANP is not necessarily produced by an increase in GFR and is associated with a redistribution of RBF to the deep cortex an increase in urinary excretion of prostaglandins and a decrease of renin release. These results also suggest that the natriuretic effect of ANP is partly mediated by the intrarenal suppression of AII.

Cisplatin Nephrotoxicity

Cis-dichlorodiammine platinum (II), or cisplatin, has emerged as a principal chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of otherwise resistant solid tumors and is currently among the most widely used agents in the chemotherapy of cancer. The chief limit to its greater efficacy is its nephrotoxicity, which has made it necessary both to lower its dosage and actively hydrate patients to reduce it. The vulnerability of the kidney to cisplatin is almost certainly related to its primary role in the excretion of cisplatin. Cisplatin enters renal cells by a process that depends on normal oxygen utilization and is specifically inhibited by organic bases. Greater localization of platinum to the S3 segment of the proximal tubules suggests that the vulnerability of this segment may depend on its specific uptake of the drug. The majority of intracellular platinum is bound to macromolecules, including protein and DNA, yet a significant portion of cell platinum is biotransformed to a nonmutagenic and possibly nontoxic compound. Polyuria and hypomagnesemia, which are commonly associated with cisplatin nephrotoxicity, may be due to defects in deep nephron or collecting duct fluid and solute transport. Low single nephron glomerular filtration rates (SNGFR) during early cisplatinum-induced acute renal failure is accompanied by reduced renal blood flow and transglomerular hydrostatic pressure without elevated intratubular hydrostatic pressure, suggesting preglomerular vasoconstriction as an important determinant of renal failure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Isolation and use of specific nephron segments and their cells in biochemical studies

Micropuncture and microperfusion of defined isolated nephron segments have provided important information on the localization of different transport systems along the mammalian nephron. As these studies have progressed, an increasingly specialized series of ever smaller nephron segments has become apparent, At present, the nephron is divided into at least 10 to 12 different parts. This heterogenity within a single nephron is even further complicated by the existence of functionally distinct superficial and deep nephrons. Furthermore, any nephron segment may contain multiple cell types, each of which may subserve different and specific functions within that nephron segment. In addition to the various tubular epithelial cells, the kidney contains cells of the renal vasculature, the interstitium and the lymphatics. Overall then, the kidney is composed of at least 30 different cell types. Most likely this still represents an oversimplication. The enormous problem of isolating a defined cell population from such a heterogenous organ can easily be envisioned. The present paper will provide a brief overview about isolation methods for individual nephron segments and individual cells and some of their applications.

ATPase activity in macula densa cells of the rabbit kidney

Na-K- and Mg-activated ATPase activities were determined in maculae densae and glomeruli dissected from both superficial and juxtamedullary nephrons of normal rabbits, using an ultramicro method including a cycling reaction. Activities were expressed as Pi generated per macula densa or per glomerulus and normalized for tissue volume. Results indicate that the mean volume of superficial and juxtamedullary macula densa samples was not statistically different, while glomeruli from deep nephrons had sample volumes that were 29% larger than those from superficial nephrons (P less than 0.001). Correcting for volume both superficial and juxtamedullary macula densa samples had an Na-K-ATPase activity of 0.37 +/- 0.21 fmol X h-1 X (micron3)-1 X Mg-ATPase activity in both pools was also similar [0.41 +/- 0.07 and 0.52 +/- 0.1 fmol X h-1 X (micron3)-1]. Na-K-ATPase activity in macula densa cells is estimated to be about 1/40th the activity of surrounding cortical thick ascending limb cells. Total glomerular ATPase per unit volume was significantly higher in glomeruli from superficial than from deep nephrons [0.41 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.28 +/- 0.04 fmol X h-1 X (micron3)-1, P less than 0.05]. There was no statistically significant activity of Na-K-ATPase in either superficial or deep glomeruli. These results suggest that in contrast to previous reports, the macula densa contains Na-K-ATPase, but at a low level relative to surrounding tubular cells. Further, in normal rabbits, this activity is invariant in superficial and juxtamedullary samples.

Effect of renal perfusion pressure on sodium reabsorption from proximal tubules of superficial and deep nephrons.

Previous studies in rats have demonstrated that superficial proximal tubule sodium reabsorption does not change in response to alterations in renal perfusion pressure (RPP). The first objective of the present study was to estimate sodium reabsorption in response to acute changes in RPP utilizing fractional lithium reabsorption (FRLi) as an index of fractional sodium reabsorption (FRNa) by the proximal tubule of the kidney as a whole. FRLi decreased in response to increases in RPP, suggesting that sodium reabsorption by the proximal tubule of some nephron population is decreased. Therefore, the second objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that superficial and deep proximal tubules respond differently to changes in RPP by comparing proximal tubule sodium reabsorption from both nephron populations. In response to an acute change in RPP from 114 +/- 4 to 138 +/- 5 mmHg, FRNa by the proximal tubule and descending limb of Henle's loop in deep nephrons decreased from 71.3 +/- 2.3 to 55.8 +/- 5.6%, but FRNa by the superficial late proximal tubule was not changed: (44.3 +/- 4.8 to 45.1 +/- 3.9%). The urinary fractional reabsorption of sodium decreased from 96.7 +/- 0.6 to 94.5 +/- 0.5%. In summary, these studies demonstrate that increases in RPP have no effect on sodium reabsorption by the proximal tubule of superficial nephrons. In contrast, sodium delivery to the point of micropuncture in the descending limb of Henle's loop of deep nephrons was increased, suggesting inhibition of sodium reabsorption by proximal tubules of deep nephrons in response to increases in RPP.

Intrarenal phosphate reabsorption: role of nephron heterogeneity.

The possibility that phosphate handling may differ between superficial and deep nephrons has been suggested by several investigators over the past 15 years, to explain the discrepancy between phosphate delivery to the distal tubule of superficial nephrons and phosphate excretion in the urine (1, 2). Subsequent micropuncture studies have confirmed this notion. During phosphate conservation (by TPTX), phosphate reabsorption was enhanced in deep nephron proximal tubules (3), whereas, when the excretion of phosphate was high, phosphate reabsorption was relatively greater in superficial nephrons (4, 5). However, the role of nephron heterogeneity in the regulation of phosphate homeostasis was not clear (6). Moreover, in contrast to the in vivo micropuncture experiments, in vitro studies using isolated, perfused tubule segments failed to find any differences in phosphate transport between superficial and deep nephrons (7, 8). To help resolve some of the controversy, this review will highlight recent findings from our laboratory regarding phosphate transport in superficial and deep nephrons and the response to regulators of phosphate reabsorption, which will point to the importance of nephron heterogeneity in the renal handling of phosphate.KeywordsParathyroid HormoneProximal TubulePhosphate TransportPhosphate HomeostasisPhosphate ReabsorptionThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

Functional and Morphologic Damage in the Neonatally Irradiated Canine Kidney

Perinatal irradiation of the developing kidney results in progressive glomerulosclerosis (PGS) and renal failure. This syndrome may result from direct radiation damage to mature deep cortical nephrons and/or nephron functional adaptations resulting from outer cortical nephron ablation. Beagle dogs received single, whole-body exposures (330 R) to 60Co gamma radiation at 4 days of age (IR4) to study the combined effects of direct radiation damage and nephron loss, or at 30 days of age (IR30) to study the effects of renal irradiation alone. To study the effects of nephron loss alone, dogs underwent unilateral nephrectomy (UN4) or superficial hyperthermic renal ablation (HY4) at 4 days of age. Nephron loss due to irradiation (IR4) and partial renal ablation (UN4 and HY4) was associated with compensatory nephron hypertrophy and increased single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR), while irradiation at 30 days resulted in transitory decreased SNGFR. Similar degrees of PGS occurred in IR4 dogs which experienced both irradiation and loss of nephrons and UN4 and HY4 dogs which experienced only loss of nephrons. PGS of lesser severity also occurred in IR30 dogs. These findings indicate that PGS associated with perinatal renal irradiation results from direct radiation damage to deep cortical nephrons and compensatory functional changes occurring in response to loss of renal mass.

Juxtamedullary nephrons during acute metabolic alkalosis in the rat.

The renal handling of bicarbonate during acute metabolic alkalosis was examined in Munich-Wistar rats using micropuncture techniques. Group I received an acute bicarbonate load, and fractional delivery of total CO2 (tCO2) (FDtCO2) to the superficial late distal tubule (LD) was significantly lower than to the base of the papillary collecting duct (B) (18.4 +/- 1.7 vs. 22.9 +/- 1.5%; P less than 0.01), indicating net addition of bicarbonate between LD and B. When acutely bicarbonate-loaded rats had their deep nephrons destroyed with bromoethylamine hydrobromide (BEA) (group II), net addition of tCO2 between LD and B was abolished and net reabsorption uncovered (FDtCO2 LD: 28.0 +/- 3.6 vs. B: 17.5 +/- 2.5%; P less than 0.01). The infusion of amiloride (2.5 mg/kg body wt) to alkalotic rats treated with BEA (group III) completely inhibited distal bicarbonate reabsorption but did not reestablish addition (FDtCO2 LD: 27.6 +/- 1.6 vs. B: 26.1 +/- 3.7%; P = NS). The values obtained for sham-operated animals (group IV) were the same for group I. The patterns that were observed between LD and B were reproduced for the four groups of animals when FDtCO2 LD was compared with the fractional excretion of bicarbonate in the urine of the intact contralateral kidney. These studies suggest that juxtamedullary nephrons contribute a higher load of bicarbonate than superficial nephrons to the final urine during acute metabolic alkalosis in the rat.

Tubular capacity for phosphate reabsorption in superficial and deep nephrons.

The present studies were performed to determine the capacity for phosphate reabsorption in superficial and deep nephron proximal tubules in vivo. Micropuncture experiments were performed in 20 acutely thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) Munich-Wistar rats fed a normal phosphate diet (0.7%). Four groups were infused with differing amounts of phosphate (0,2,4, or 6 mumol/min) to increase the filtered phosphate load. The sites selected for micropuncture were the superficial early distal tubule and the deep nephron loop of Henle, which reflect fractional phosphate delivery (FDPi%) from superficial and deep nephron proximal tubules, respectively. In response to phosphate infusions, plasma phosphate increased from 3.03 +/- 0.09 to 7.01 +/- 0.58 mM, and fractional phosphate excretion rose from 2 +/- 1 to 58 +/- 5%. FDPi% increased from both superficial (14 +/- 1 to 58 +/- 2%) and deep nephron proximal tubules (4 +/- 1 to 27 +/- 5%) but always remained lower from deep nephrons, reflecting more avid reabsorption by deep nephron proximal tubules. The maximal rate of phosphate reabsorption (max RPi/SNGFR) in the superficial proximal tubule was significantly less than in the deep nephron proximal tubule (3.2 +/- 0.4 vs. 5.1 +/- 0.1 pmol/nl). In seven of the phosphate-infused rats, parathyroid hormone (PTH, 33 U/kg bolus; 1 U X kg-1 X min-1) was added to the infusion following the initial collections. In the presence of PTH, the RPi/SNGFR was significantly lower in deep than in superficial proximal tubules (0.4 +/- 0.5 vs. 1.6 +/- 0.4 pmol/nl). Thus, the maximum capacity for phosphate reabsorption was greater in deep than in superficial nephrons in TPTX rats. Furthermore, in the presence of phosphate infusions, PTH inhibited phosphate reabsorption to a greater extent in deep than in superficial proximal tubules.