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Updated: May 9, 2026

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

Anatomic and physiologic changes of the aging kidney.

Zeina Karam¹, Jennifer Tuazon

¹Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.

Clinics in Geriatric Medicine

|July 16, 2013

Summary

Kidney aging involves structural damage like glomerulosclerosis and functional decline, including reduced filtration rate and impaired urine concentration. These age-related kidney changes impact overall renal health and function over time.

Keywords:

Functional reserve Glomerular filtration rate Glomerulosclerosis Osmoregulation Renal blood flow Renal mass Renin-angiotensin system Senescence

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Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Published on: June 16, 2014

Area of Science:

Nephrology
Gerontology
Renal Physiology

Background:

Aging significantly impacts kidney structure and function.
Kidney aging is characterized by specific pathological and physiological alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

To outline the key structural and functional changes in the kidney associated with aging.
To describe the timeline of glomerular filtration rate decline and alterations in renal blood flow.

Main Methods:

Review of established literature on renal aging.
Analysis of structural and functional parameters in aging kidneys.

Main Results:

Age-related structural changes include glomerulosclerosis, basement membrane thickening, increased mesangial matrix, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and arteriosclerosis.
Glomerular filtration rate declines after the fourth decade.
Renal blood flow decreases and redistributes from cortex to medulla.
Functional changes involve increased glomerular basement permeability and reduced urine concentrating/diluting ability.

Conclusions:

Kidney aging is a complex process involving progressive structural damage and functional impairment.
These age-associated renal changes affect kidney's ability to maintain homeostasis and excrete waste products.