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Updated: May 7, 2026
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The Mouse Isolated Perfused Kidney Technique
Published on: November 17, 2016
Isolated nephron segments from rabbit models of obstructive nephropathy
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Urinary tract obstruction impairs kidney function by damaging specific nephron segments. These defects, including reduced sodium reabsorption and impaired water transport, are similar in both unilateral and bilateral obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Renal Physiology
- Urology
Background:
- Urinary tract obstruction (UTO) significantly impacts renal function.
- Previous studies utilized micropuncture and microcatheterization to investigate UTO.
- Intrinsic alterations in nephron function during UTO require further examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate intrinsic alterations in segmental nephron function following 24 hours of bilateral (BUO) and unilateral (UUO) urinary tract obstruction.
- To compare nephron function after relief of BUO with that observed during UUO.
Main Methods:
- Isolated tubule microperfusion studies were employed.
- Segmental nephron function was assessed in proximal convoluted tubules, proximal straight tubules, thick ascending limbs, and cortical collecting tubules.
- Measurements included reabsorption rates, chloride concentration changes, and antidiuretic hormone-dependent osmotic water flow.
Main Results:
- Unilateral obstruction (UUO) reduced reabsorption in juxtamedullary proximal convoluted tubules (32%) and proximal straight tubules (52%).
- Thick ascending limb chloride transport decreased by 76% following UUO.
- Cortical collecting tubule osmotic water flow was reduced by 76%, demonstrating antidiuretic hormone resistance.
- No functional differences were observed between nephron segments following relief of BUO compared to UUO.
Conclusions:
- Intrinsic tubular defects in UUO and BUO are identical.
- Natriuresis is partly due to disordered NaCl reabsorption in specific nephron segments.
- Impaired concentrating ability results from depressed thick ascending limb function and cortical collecting tubule ADH resistance.
- Antidiuretic hormone resistance in the cortical collecting tubule occurs distal to intracellular cAMP generation.
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