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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Physiology Lab Demonstration: Glomerular Filtration Rate in a Rat

Physiology Lab Demonstration: Glomerular Filtration Rate in a Rat

Published on: July 26, 2015

The kidney and acid-base regulation.

Bruce M Koeppen¹

¹School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, 06030-1920, USA. koeppen@nso.uchc.edu

Advances in Physiology Education

|December 2, 2009

Summary

The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining acid-base balance by regulating hydrogen (H+), bicarbonate (HCO3-), and ammonium (NH4+) transport. Recent advances highlight how kidney transporters adapt to acid-base disorders.

Area of Science:

Physiology
Nephrology
Acid-Base Homeostasis

Background:

The kidneys are vital for maintaining the body's acid-base balance.
Previous reviews focused on general renal regulation of acid-base balance.
Recent research has elucidated specific molecular mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

To present updated knowledge on renal regulation of acid-base balance.
To highlight advances in understanding kidney transporters for H+, HCO3-, and NH4+.
To explain the regulation of these transporters in acid-base disorders.

Main Methods:

Review of current scientific literature.
Synthesis of new findings on membrane transporters.
Integration of molecular and physiological data.

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Last Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Physiology Lab Demonstration: Glomerular Filtration Rate in a Rat

Physiology Lab Demonstration: Glomerular Filtration Rate in a Rat

Published on: July 26, 2015

Estimation of Nephron Number in Whole Kidney using the Acid Maceration Method

Estimation of Nephron Number in Whole Kidney using the Acid Maceration Method

Published on: May 22, 2019

Use of Enzymatic Biosensors to Quantify Endogenous ATP or H2O2 in the Kidney

Use of Enzymatic Biosensors to Quantify Endogenous ATP or H₂O₂ in the Kidney

Published on: October 12, 2015

Main Results:

Significant advancements in understanding renal H+, HCO3-, and NH4+ transport.
Detailed insights into the regulation of kidney transporters during acid-base disturbances.
Updated framework for renal acid-base regulation.

Conclusions:

The kidneys' role in acid-base balance is complex and involves sophisticated transporter regulation.
New molecular insights provide a deeper understanding of renal compensation mechanisms.
This review serves as a teaching resource for human physiology students.