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Development of renal function in the fetus: a review
1School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Reproduction, Fertility, and Development
|January 1, 1995
Summary
This review examines fetal sheep kidney function during development. Fetal sheep studies reveal intrauterine renal roles, though maturation changes physiology.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Renal physiology
- Fetal development
Background:
- Nephrogenesis is complete before birth in sheep and primates.
- Renal development continues postnatally in species like rats and puppies.
- Ovine fetal studies offer insights into intrauterine kidney function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on intrauterine renal function in fetal sheep.
- To understand the physiological roles of the kidneys during fetal life.
- To compare renal development across species with different maturation timelines.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies utilizing chronically-catheterized fetal sheep.
- Analysis of research on postnatal renal development in immature species.
- Synthesis of data on ovine fetal kidney physiology.
Main Results:
- Fetal sheep models are crucial for studying intrauterine renal function.
- Renal physiology in fetal sheep reflects primate development.
- Comparative studies highlight species-specific patterns of renal maturation.
Conclusions:
- Ovine fetal studies provide valuable, albeit modified, insights into intrauterine renal physiology.
- Understanding fetal kidney function is essential for developmental biology.
- Species-specific models are necessary for comprehensive renal development research.