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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
10:14
An Efficient Sieving Method to Isolate Intact Glomeruli from Adult Rat Kidney
Published on: November 1, 2018
The glomerular filter: an imperfect barrier is required for perfect renal function.
Wayne D Comper1, Leileata M Russo
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia. wcomper@hotmail.com
Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension
|May 29, 2009
Summary
Albuminuria results from proximal tubular cell dysfunction, not glomerular damage. This review examines the evolving understanding of albumin filtration and reabsorption in kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Renal Physiology
Background:
- The traditional view posits glomerular barrier damage causes albuminuria.
- Recent evidence challenges this model, suggesting flaws in the traditional understanding.
- An alternative model emphasizes size selectivity of the glomerular filter.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on the mechanisms of albuminuria.
- To appraise the evolving debate surrounding albuminuria's pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature and studies.
- Critical appraisal of existing evidence and theoretical models.
Main Results:
- The glomerular filter allows some albumin passage via size selectivity, acting as an "anticlogging" mechanism.
- Proximal tubular cells play a crucial role in retrieving filtered albumin.
- A portion of filtered albumin undergoes degradation within tubular cells, with byproducts excreted.
Conclusions:
- Albuminuria in acquired and chemically induced kidney disease stems from impaired proximal tubular cell albumin processing.
- Alterations in glomerular permeability are not the primary cause in these conditions.
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