Some transport characteristics of mammalian renal diluting segments

As a consequence of its ability to absorb salt in excess of water, the thick ascending limb of the mammalian kidney dilutes the urine and supplies the energy for counter current multiplication. This latter effect follows directly from the ability of the medullary thick ascending limb (mTALH) to enrich medullary osmolality. In this review, we consider certain selected aspects of mTALH function that determine its ability to dilute the urine and to contribute to overall renal concentrating power. Specifically, we shall review the mechanisms for salt absorption in the mTALH and the modulation of salt absorption in the mTALH and hence urinary concentrating power, by antidiuretic hormone (ADH), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and peritubular hypertonicity. Furthermore, we shall advance an explanation of how these latter three agents modulate mTALH function without affecting external salt balance.