A simple, nonradioactive method for evaluating single-nephron filtration rate using FITC-inulin

The determination of inulin concentration in nanoliter fluid samples is fundamental to micropuncture investigations of renal function, and this is generally accomplished through the use of radioisotopes. We report here a simple and reliable alternative to the use of radioisotopes that employs FITC-labeled inulin. Samples containing FITC-inulin are stored between oil columns in constant-bore microcapillary tubes, which are then used as cuvettes to determine fluorescence on a microscope fluorometer. Standard curves were generated and found to be linear, with correlation coefficients ( R) exceeding 0.99 in every case. Although the fluorescence of FITC-inulin was found to be pH dependent, the pH and fluorescence of each 20- to 40-nl sample could be normalized by the addition of 1 nl of 0.5 M HEPES at pH 7.5. In mice prepared for standard micropuncture, simultaneous measurements of tubular fluid-to-plasma ratios (TF/P) using FITC-inulin and [125I]iothalamate were highly correlated (slope = 0.95, y-intercept = 0.01, R = 0.942), as were whole kidney measurements of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (slope = 1.25, y-intercept = −53.5 μl/min, R = 0.99). Micropuncture determinations of late-proximal samples from mice before and after treatment with acetazolamide showed expected changes: TF/P of FITC-inulin decreased from 1.89 ± 0.07 to 1.48 ± 0.10; single-nephron GFR (SNGFR) decreased from 9.64 ± 1.1 to 6.65 ± 1.0 nl/min; and fractional fluid reabsorption decreased from 45.3 ± 1.9 to 26.8 ± 5.2%. Measurements of TF/P of FITC-inulin, volume, and SNGFR using this technique were stable for at least 2 wk when samples were stored in the dark at 4°C. These data demonstrate that this simple method for determining inulin clearance represents a viable and accurate alternative to radioactive methods. This approach has the added benefits of being relatively inexpensive and leaving the micropuncture sample intact.

Proximal tubular function in transgenic mice overexpressing atrial natriuretic factor

A transgenic mouse model in which atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) expression is targeted to the liver was used to study intrarenal adjustments to the chronically elevated hormone level. Such animals, designated TTR-ANF, are characterized by reduced arterial blood pressure but similar sodium excretion compared with nontransgenic siblings. Proximal tubular micro-puncture gave the following results: single-nephron filtration rate = 12.7 ± 1.1 vs. 15.6 ± 1.9 nL/min (TTR-ANF versus nontransgenic, ns); end-proximal tubular fluid/plasma concentration ratio of inulin = 1.93 ± 0.09 vs. 1.97 ± 0.15 (ns); fractional reabsorption of sodium = 45.5 ± 2.8 vs. 46.0 ± 3.8% (ns); fractional reabsorption of chloride = 33.6 ± 3.3 vs. 32.4 ± 4.1% (ns). These data indicate that life-long elevation of plasma ANF concentration was not associated with significant alteration in single-nephron filtration rate and proximal tubular function. We conclude that compensatory anti-natriuretic mechanisms, localized downstream from the proximal tubule, can prevent ANF natriuresis.Key words: micropuncture, single-nephron filtration rate, sodium chloride reabsorption.

Single-nephron filtration rate and proximal reabsorption in aging rats

Age-related changes in the function of individual nephrons were investigated by micropuncture experiments measuring single-nephron filtration rates (SNGFR) and proximal reabsorptions in 10-, 20-, and 30-mo-old rats. The animals were female WAG/Rij rats with low incidence of chronic progressive nephropathy, no loss of nephrons, and renal hypertrophy of both kidneys in the oldest animals. Mean SNGFR values per gram kidney weight were 41.4 +/- 1.1, 37.1 +/- 1.5, and 32.2 +/- 1.1 nl.min-1.g kidney wt-1 (n = 41) in the 10-, 20-, and 30-mo-old animals, respectively. This age-related decrease in filtration was no longer apparent when SNGFR values were expressed per nephron (means 24.3 +/- 0.7, 23.7 +/- 0.9, and 24.4 +/- 0.9 nl/min. Individual filtered loads of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium and their absolute reabsorption by the proximal tubule were not different in the three age groups; however, absolute and fractional reabsorptions of phosphate decreased significantly in the 30-mo-old rats. These results indicate that, with the exception of phosphate, individual filtrations and proximal reabsorptions are well maintained in aging rats free of disease. This may be related to the observed renal hypertrophy.

Modulation of renal adrenergic effector mechanisms by calcium entry blockers

Micropuncture studies in anesthetized Munich-Wistar rats were undertaken to investigate the effects of calcium channel blockade on the glomerular hemodynamic responses to 3-Hz renal nerve stimulation. Stimulation alone increased afferent and efferent arteriolar resistances by 85 and 35%, respectively. Because of these increases both single nephron plasma flow and glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure difference fell to levels significantly below control, leading to a 26% reduction in single nephron filtration rate (P less than 0.005). These changes, however, were largely attenuated during calcium channel blockade (verapamil, nifedipine). Single nephron filtration rate was only decreased by 14% (P less than 0.05) due to a reduction in single nephron plasma flow. The role of angiotensin II on the residual vasoconstrictive effect of stimulation was also investigated. Pretreatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (MK 421) of rats infused with verapamil abolished the residual vasoconstriction. The data suggest that calcium influx is an important step for the vasoconstrictive effects of the renal nerves. Additionally, angiotensin II contributes to increased vascular resistance during renal nerve stimulation via a separate, calcium channel mechanism.

Nephroimmunopathology and pathophysiology

Immunologic models of renal injury are useful in the study of pathophysiology. Some of these models have already been used in glomerular micropuncture studies and were shown to be approachable with the same techniques that were developed to study normal renal function. The typical decrease in the glomerular permeability coefficient found in such studies is countered by an increase in the hydrostatic pressure gradient, minimizing decreases in single nephron filtration rate. Antibody mechanisms involving either direct glomerular (and tubular) fixation of antibody or accumulation of immune complex materials provide an array of acute and chronic lesions for evaluation with relevance to the bulk of immune glomerular and tubular lesions in humans. The influences of varied and overlapping immune mediator systems are also useful areas for physiologic assessment. The tools of the renal immunopathologist may be useful to the physiologist in identifying and localizing the effects of transport systems central to renal function. The collaborative interaction of investigators skilled in immunology, pathology, and physiology is necessary to achieve optimum scientific value.

Measurement of nephron filtration in the dog: role of proximal intratubular pressure

Previous studies concerning the measurement of single nephron filtration rate have shown that collections of proximal tubular fluid, in which an oil drop is held in a constant position, do not affect intratubular pressure in the early proximal tubule in the hydropenic rat. Since intratubular pressures are higher in the dog than the rat, we investigated the effect of position-controlled collections on proximal pressure and single nephron filtration rate (SNGFR) in the dog. During position-controlled collections, early proximal pressure fell 5.8 +/- 0.9 mmHg and SNGFR was 76.3 +/- 5.3 nl/min. During proximal re-collections, in which proximal pressure was maintained near the free-flow value using a long immobile oil block, SNGFR was significantly less, 44.4 +/- 5.5 nl/min. For each micropunctured kidney, SNGFR was also estimated by dividing GFR by the number of glomeruli (mean, 5.4 +/- 0.5 X 10(5)). Estimated SNGFR (50.9 +/- 6.3 nl/min) was not significantly different from pressure-controlled SNGFR but was significantly less than position-controlled SNGFR. Accordingly, in the dog, early proximal pressure decreases during position-controlled collection of proximal tubular fluid, resulting in an overestimation of SNGFR. This artifact can be avoided by controlling the intratubular pressure during collection of tubular fluid.

Measurement of Single Nephron Filtration Rate in the Kidney of the River Lamprey, Lampetra Fluviatilis L

The reliability of [3H]inulin as a reference substance for the measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in river lampreys was investigated. Simultaneously measured renal clearances of [3H]inulin and [14C]-polyethylene glycol (PEG) were not significantly different. Recoveries of [3H]inulin in the urine following its injection into the proximal tubule and urinary duct averaged 83.5±4.0% (n = 14) and 93.0±4.6% (n = 9) respectively. No evidence was obtained to suggest penetration of the tubular wall by [3H]inulin following its introduction into peritubular capillaries. Gel-filtration of lamprey plasma and urine produced no signs of any significant degradation of the inulin to fructose. [3H]inulin recoveries, though significantly below 100% (P < 0.001), were considered adequate to justify its use after allowing for possible sources of error. A mean single nephron filtration rate (SNGFR) value of 7.02±0.27 nl/min (n = 89) was obtained from the kidneys of anaesthetized freshwater lampreys. [51Cr]EDTA was found to be totally unsuitable for the measurement of GFR in this species.