Estimation of whole-body capillary transport parameters from osmotic transient data

A mathematical model has been developed of short-term, extrarenal, whole-body fluid volume regulation. The Kedem and Katchalsky equations are used to describe rapid movements of crystalloid and colloid solutes and water between five fluid compartments. Simulation results showing rapid cell volume changes following a hyperosmotic crystalloid infusion demonstrated the necessity of considering the effect of cellular water shifts in osmotic transient experiments. From measurements of plasma volume and osmolality in acutely nephrectomized dogs subjected to isosmotic and hyperosmotic NaCl infusions and with the model, six parameters related to capillary membrane transport of water and NaCl were estimated. The mean capillary filtration capacity from six experiments was estimated as 0.01 ml.min-1.mmHg-1.100 g-1 of dog. This increased about threefold due to the hyperosmolality. Mean values of capillary diffusion capacity and osmotic reflection coefficient for NaCl were 0.37 cm3.s-1.100 g-1 and 0.087, respectively. These results support the use of the osmotic transient approach and a mathematical model to study the role of microvascular transport in whole-body fluid volume regulation.