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Analysis of Nephron Composition and Function in the Adult Zebrafish Kidney
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Renal Physiology: From Fetus to Newborn and Beyond
Benjamin Holland1, Cara L Slagle2, Michelle C Starr3
1Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
None:
Developmental renal physiology concepts can best be divided into prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal periods. Structural kidney development and a maximum number of nephron formations predominate the prenatal period with kidney function playing a primary role in amniotic fluid production. Kidney function reaches near-adult maturation around 2 y of age, with variation depending on gestational age at birth and neonatal complications. Neonatal kidneys are particularly sensitive to injury, which impacts both short- and long-term health outcomes. A greater understanding of developmental renal physiology facilitates increased awareness of kidney health, thus improving overall care.
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