A dynamic model of the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism

We have reported oscillations in proximal tubular pressure and flow and in distal tubular pressure and chloride concentration in halothane-anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. These variables oscillated at the same frequency in each animal, approximately 35 mHz, but were out of phase with each other. We suggested that the oscillation arises within the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) system. As a test of this hypothesis, we have now developed a dynamic model to determine whether it can simulate the measured frequency and phase relationships with a realistic set of parameters. The model includes a detailed representation of pressure and flow in the tubules based on a reduced version of the Navier-Stokes equations. The NaCl concentration at the macula densa was used as the signal to the TGF mechanism. The tubular NaCl concentration was modeled by a partial differential equation based on conservation of mass. For a realistic set of parameter values the model accurately predicted oscillations with the same frequency and phase relationships among the oscillating variables as was found experimentally. Moreover, tubular NaCl handling significantly influenced the dynamic properties of the TGF system. Thus the model predicted a substantial phase shift of the NaCl concentration relative to the flow oscillation at the macula densa. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the oscillations are caused by the TGF mechanism. The results further support the notion that the delays and damping caused by the tubule are responsible for the limited high-frequency response of renal autoregulation.