Superficial and Juxtamedullary Nephron Function during Saline Loading in the Dog

Frank J. Bruns; Edward A. Alexander; Arthur L. Riley; Norman G. Levinsky

doi:10.1172/JCI107663

Superficial and Juxtamedullary Nephron Function during Saline Loading in the Dog

Frank J. Bruns, Edward A. Alexander, Arthur L. Riley, and Norman G. Levinsky

Published April 1, 1974 - More info

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Abstract

A modification of the microdissection technique of Hanssen was utilized in dogs to measure superficial (SNGFR) and juxtamedullary nephron filtration rate (JMGFR) in control and saline-expanded dogs. During control studies SNGFR was 60±4 and JMGFR was 72±5 nl/min. During saline loading SNGFR was 74±8 and JMGFR was 65±6 nl/min. The ratio SNGFR: JMGFR significantly increased from 0.84±0.03 to 1.15±0.08. Glomerular perfusion rate (GPR) was measured with the microsphere method during control and saline loading. Superficial GPR did not change significantly but juxtamedullary GPR increased from 225±42 to 323±39 nl/min. Calculated superficial nephron filtration fraction was unchanged after saline expansion but juxtamedullary filtration fraction decreased from 0.34±0.07 to 0.24±0.07. The data demonstrate a tendency for filtration to shift toward the superficial part and plasma flow toward the deep part of the kidney cortex. GFR in juxtamedullary nephrons appears to be less plasma flow-dependent than in superficial nephrons. The fall in filtration fraction in the deep cortex may affect sodium excretion by juxtamedullary nephrons.