Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026

A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Published on: March 15, 2016
Inverse correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor back-filtration and capillary filtration pressures
Christoph Kuppe1, Wilko Rohlfs2, Martin Grepl3
1Division of Nephrology and Immunology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
Background:
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) is an essential growth factor during glomerular development and postnatal homeostasis. VEGF is secreted in high amounts by podocytes into the primary urine, back-filtered across the glomerular capillary wall to act on endothelial cells. So far it has been assumed that VEGF back-filtration is driven at a constant rate exclusively by diffusion.
Methods:
In the present work, glomerular VEGF back-filtration was investigated in vivo using a novel extended model based on endothelial fenestrations as surrogate marker for local VEGF concentrations. Single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) and/or local filtration flux were manipulated by partial renal mass ablation, tubular ablation, and in transgenic mouse models of systemic or podocytic VEGF overexpression or reduction.
Results:
Our study shows positive correlations between VEGF back-filtration and SNGFR as well as effective filtration rate under physiological conditions along individual glomerular capillaries in rodents and humans.
Conclusion:
Our results suggest that an additional force drives VEGF back-filtration, potentially regulated by SNGFR.
Related Concept Videos
Glomerular Filtration: Net Filtration Pressure
GBHP, with an average value of 55 mmHg, promotes filtration by pushing water and solutes through the filtration membrane. This is balanced by two opposing forces: CHP, a "back pressure" exerted against the filtration membrane by fluid already in the capsular space and renal...
Filtration and Urine Formation
Filtration
Glomerular Filtration
Components of the Filtration Membrane
The filtration process involves three key layers: the glomerular endothelial cells, the basement membrane, and the podocyte-formed filtration slits.
Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration
Glomerular Filtration Rate and its Regulation
GFR regulation involves two primary intrinsic controls: the myogenic and tubuloglomerular feedback mechanisms.
The myogenic...

