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Related Concept Videos

Physiology of the Genitourinary System II: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion01:22

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The kidneys maintain homeostasis through filtration, reabsorption, and secretion. Tubular reabsorption and secretion are crucial in forming urine and regulating electrolytes, water balance, and waste elimination.Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion ProcessesTubular reabsorption is the process that reclaims essential substances such as electrolytes, glucose, amino acids, and water from the glomerular filtrate back into the bloodstream. This is achieved through passive and active transport...
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Tubular secretion and reabsorption are two critical processes in the nephron tubule of the kidneys. When the fluid filtered from the glomerulus enters the proximal convoluted tubule, it is referred to as filtrate, and its composition changes due to tubular reabsorption and secretion.
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The renal tubule is divided into three parts: the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), the Loop of Henle (LOH), and the distal convoluted tubule (DCT).
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The Proximal Convoluted Tubule, or PCT, plays a pivotal role in the body's filtration system. They are primarily responsible for reabsorbing solutes and water from the filtered fluid produced by the glomeruli. Most of the filtered water, ions, and organic solutes such as glucose and amino acids are reabsorbed by the PCT.
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Active tubular secretion is a robust, energy-demanding process that utilizes carrier systems to transport drugs into renal tubules. The active renal secretion systems include the organic anion transporter (OAT) for weak acids and the organic cation transporter (OCT) for weak bases. Structurally similar drugs can compete for the same transporter, potentially leading to drug accumulation and toxicity. However, this principle can be exploited therapeutically. One example is probenecid (Probalan),...
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Isolation of Primary Human Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells and Their Use in Creating a Microphysiological Model of the Renal Proximal Tubule
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A microfluidic renal proximal tubule with active reabsorptive function.

Else M Vedula1, José Luis Alonso2, M Amin Arnaout2

  • 1Biomedical Microsystems Group, Draper, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America.

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|October 12, 2017
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Summary

Researchers engineered a microfluidic kidney proximal tubule (PT) model that mimics human physiology. This in vitro PT model successfully replicates reabsorption and can be used to test drug efficacy and toxicity.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Renal Physiology
  • Microfluidics

Background:

  • The kidney's proximal tubule (PT) is crucial for solute reabsorption.
  • Replicating PT function in vitro presents significant challenges.
  • Existing models lack the complexity to fully mimic in vivo PT physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To engineer a functional in vitro model of the human renal proximal tubule (PT).
  • To create a microfluidic system that replicates PT reabsorptive functions.
  • To establish a platform for assessing kidney drug efficacy and toxicity.

Main Methods:

  • Designed a microfluidic device with a porous membrane and dual microchannels.
  • Co-cultured human PT epithelial cells and microvascular endothelial cells.
  • Assessed cell viability, tissue morphology, marker expression, and transport function.

Main Results:

  • The engineered microfluidic PT exhibited enhanced cell viability and compactness.
  • The model demonstrated kidney-specific morphology and polarized marker expression.
  • Active sodium-coupled glucose transport was observed and modulated by drug administration.

Conclusions:

  • The microfluidic PT successfully replicates human renal proximal tubule physiology in vitro.
  • This model provides a measurable platform for evaluating kidney drug efficacy and toxicity.
  • The engineered tissue offers a more accurate representation of kidney function for research and development.