The Renal Pelvis: Machinery That Concentrates Urine in the Papilla

Physiology ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry M. Dwyer ◽  
Bodil Schmidt-Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Renal Pelvis ◽  
Collecting Duct ◽  
Osmotic Gradient ◽  
Elastic Recoil ◽  
Vasa Recta ◽  
Rhythmic Contractions

Two decades ago, Bodil Schmidt-Nielsen and Bruce Graves documented the rhythmic contractions of the renal pelvis in a remarkable video, visually demonstrating how peristaltic waves empty the papilla and how the subsequent elastic recoil draws water from the collecting duct and into the tethered-open ascending vasa recta. Thus a periodic hydrostatic gradient generates an axial osmotic gradient. This review recapitulates the video and offers a link to figures and scenes digitized from the original tape.

scholarly journals Three-dimensional architecture of inner medullary vasa recta

2006 ◽  
Vol 290 (6) ◽  
pp. F1355-F1366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas L. Pannabecker ◽  
William H. Dantzler
Keyword(s):  
Collecting Duct ◽  
Rat Kidney ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Osmotic Gradient ◽  
Graphical Modeling ◽  
Vasa Recta ◽  
Countercurrent Exchange ◽  
Modeling Software ◽  
Specific Proteins ◽  
Thin Limb

The manner in which vasa recta function and contribute to the concentrating mechanism depends on their three-dimensional relationships to each other and to tubular elements. We have examined the three-dimensional architecture of vasculature relative to tubular structures in the central region of rat kidney inner medulla from the base through the first 3 mm by combining immunohistochemistry and semiautomated image acquisition techniques with graphical modeling software. Segments of descending vasa recta (DVR), ascending vasa recta (AVR), descending thin limb (DTL), ascending thin limb (ATL), and collecting duct (CD) were identified with antibodies against segment-specific proteins associated with solute and water transport (urea channel B, PV-1, aquaporin-1, ClC-K1, aquaporin-2, respectively) by immunofluorescence. Results indicate: 1) DVR, like DTLs, are excluded from CD clusters that we have previously shown to be the organizing element for the inner medulla; 2) AVR, like ATLs, are nearly uniformly distributed transversely across the entire inner medulla outside of and within CD clusters; 3) DVR and AVR outside CD clusters appear to be sufficiently juxtaposed to permit good countercurrent exchange; 4) within CD clusters, about four AVR closely abut each CD, surrounding it in a highly symmetrical fashion; and 5) AVR abutting each CD and ATLs within CD clusters form repeating nodal interstitial spaces bordered by a CD on one side, one or more ATLs on the opposite side, and one AVR on each of the other two sides. These relationships may be highly significant for both establishing and maintaining the inner medullary osmotic gradient.

scholarly journals Axial compartmentation of descending and ascending thin limbs of Henle's loops

2013 ◽  
Vol 304 (3) ◽  
pp. F308-F316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Y. Westrick ◽  
Bradley Serack ◽  
William H. Dantzler ◽  
Thomas L. Pannabecker
Keyword(s):  
Blood Vessels ◽  
Water Permeability ◽  
Collecting Duct ◽  
Osmotic Gradient ◽  
Loop Length ◽  
Vasa Recta ◽  
Pass Through ◽  
Solute Gradient ◽  
Radial Organization

In the inner medulla, radial organization of nephrons and blood vessels around collecting duct (CD) clusters leads to two lateral interstitial regions and preferential intersegmental fluid and solute flows. As the descending (DTLs) and ascending thin limbs (ATLs) pass through these regions, their transepithelial fluid and solute flows are influenced by variable transepithelial solute gradients and structure-to-structure interactions. The goal of this study was to quantify structure-to-structure interactions, so as to better understand compartmentation and flows of transepithelial water, NaCl, and urea and generation of the axial osmotic gradient. To accomplish this, we determined lateral distances of AQP1-positive and AQP1-negative DTLs and ATLs from their nearest CDs, so as to gauge interactions with intercluster and intracluster lateral regions and interactions with interstitial nodal spaces (INSs). DTLs express reduced AQP1 and low transepithelial water permeability along their deepest segments. Deep AQP1-null segments, prebend segments, and ATLs lie equally near to CDs. Prebend segments and ATLs abut CDs and INSs throughout much of their descent and ascent, respectively; however, the distal 30% of ATLs of the longest loops lie distant from CDs as they approach the outer medullary boundary and have minimal interaction with INSs. These relationships occur regardless of loop length. Finally, we show that ascending vasa recta separate intercluster AQP1-positive DTLs from descending vasa recta, thereby minimizing dilution of gradients that drive solute secretion. We hypothesize that DTLs and ATLs enter and exit CD clusters in an orchestrated fashion that is important for generation of the corticopapillary solute gradient by minimizing NaCl and urea loss.

Inner medullary lactate production and urine-concentrating mechanism: a flat medullary model

2003 ◽  
Vol 284 (1) ◽  
pp. F65-F81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphane Hervy ◽  
S. Randall Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Collecting Duct ◽  
Lactate Production ◽  
Osmotic Gradient ◽  
Osmotic Effect ◽  
Concentrating Mechanism ◽  
Urea Permeability ◽  
Vasa Recta ◽  
Renal Inner Medulla ◽  
High Lactate ◽  
Urine Concentrating Mechanism

We used a mathematical model to explore the possibility that metabolic production of net osmoles in the renal inner medulla (IM) may participate in the urine-concentrating mechanism. Anaerobic glycolysis (AG) is an important source of energy for cells of the IM, because this region of the kidney is hypoxic. AG is also a source of net osmoles, because it splits each glucose into two lactate molecules, which are not metabolized within the IM. Furthermore, these sugars exert their full osmotic effect across the epithelia of the thin descending limb of Henle's loop and the collecting duct, so they are apt to fulfill the external osmole role previously attributed to interstitial urea (whose role is compromised by the high urea permeability of long descending limbs). The present simulations show that physiological levels of IM glycolytic lactate production could suffice to significantly amplify the IM accumulation of NaCl. The model predicts that for this to be effective, IM lactate recycling must be efficient, which requires high lactate permeability of descending vasa recta and reduced IM blood flow during antidiuresis, two conditions that are probably fulfilled under normal circumstances. The simulations also suggest that the resulting IM osmotic gradient is virtually insensitive to the urea permeability of long descending limbs, thus lifting a longstanding paradox, and that this high urea permeability may serve for independent regulation of urea balance.

scholarly journals Architecture of interstitial nodal spaces in the rodent renal inner medulla

2013 ◽  
Vol 305 (5) ◽  
pp. F745-F752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca L. Gilbert ◽  
Thomas L. Pannabecker
Keyword(s):  
Collecting Duct ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Wistar Rat ◽  
Osmotic Gradient ◽  
Number Density ◽  
Strong Argument ◽  
Kangaroo Rat ◽  
Vasa Recta ◽  
Renal Inner Medulla ◽  
Abundant Supply

Every collecting duct (CD) of the rat inner medulla is uniformly surrounded by about four abutting ascending vasa recta (AVR) running parallel to it. One or two ascending thin limbs (ATLs) lie between and parallel to each abutting AVR pair, opposite the CD. These structures form boundaries of axially running interstitial compartments. Viewed in transverse sections, these compartments appear as four interstitial nodal spaces (INSs) positioned symmetrically around each CD. The axially running compartments are segmented by interstitial cells spaced at regular intervals. The pairing of ATLs and CDs bounded by an abundant supply of AVR carrying reabsorbed water, NaCl, and urea make a strong argument that the mixing of NaCl and urea within the INSs and countercurrent flows play a critical role in generating the inner medullary osmotic gradient. The results of this study fully support that hypothesis. We quantified interactions of all structures comprising INSs along the corticopapillary axis for two rodent species, the Munich-Wistar rat and the kangaroo rat. The results showed remarkable similarities in the configurations of INSs, suggesting that the structural arrangement of INSs is a highly conserved architecture that plays a fundamental role in renal function. The number density of INSs along the corticopapillary axis directly correlated with a loop population that declines exponentially with distance below the outer medullary-inner medullary boundary. The axial configurations were consistent with discrete association between near-bend loop segments and INSs and with upper loop segments lying distant from INSs.

The vasoconstrictor endothelin system involvement in chronic kidney diseases pathogenesis is now the most often employed treatment method

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moataz Dowaidar
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Collecting Duct ◽  
Treatment Method ◽  
Chronic Kidney Diseases ◽  
System Involvement ◽  
Duct Cells ◽  
Vasa Recta ◽  
Etb Receptor ◽  
Collecting Duct Cells

Over 30,000 publications have been published about the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1, which was identified by Yanagisawa and co-workers in 1988. While the evidence is quite compelling, scientists can only speculate on how the endothelin (ET) system affects blood pressure and renal function at this time. ET system involvement in chronic kidney diseases (CKD) pathogenesis is now the most often employed treatment method. ET1, ET2, and ET3 are all members of the endothelin family. Endothelium, renal, and smooth muscle cells all generate ET-1, a significant isoform found in both cardiovascular and renal systems.Kidney cells act on, and contain, ET-1. The ETA receptor is found in the brain and medulla, but not in the vasa recta or glomeruli. Epithelial and endothelial cells contain the ETB receptor, which is most prominent in collecting duct cells. 3 In several experiments, ET-1 has been established to be largely a preglomerular vasoconstrictor. Mesangial proliferation, contraction, and collagen production are regulated by ET-1 and ETB receptors in podocytes. The epithelium in the collecting duct cells in the medulla is important in controlling Na excretion and BP. Without the ET-1 gene, the mice have hypertension and reduced natriuresis in response to salt loading. Et-1, ETB receptor, and hypertension are shown in mice that have lost the ETB receptor gene. There is no correlation between blood pressure regulation and natriuresis.Combined disruption of the ETA and ETB receptors has greater effects on blood pressure and Na reabsorption than when ETB receptor activity is missing. It appears that the ETB receptor doesn't work until ETB is present. Collecting duct-derived ET receptors reduces the transport of sodium. Src kinase and MAPK1/2 decrease epidermal Na channel (ENaC) function, decreasing water and salt reabsorption. Moreover, inner medullary collecting duct cells and vasa recta-bearing cells will release NO, which decreases sodium transport.

scholarly journals Inhibition of calcium signaling in descending vasa recta endothelia by ANG II

2000 ◽  
Vol 278 (4) ◽  
pp. H1248-H1255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas L. Pallone ◽  
Erik P. Silldorff ◽  
Zhong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Collecting Duct ◽  
No Production ◽  
Vascular Bundles ◽  
Thick Ascending Limb ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Vasomotor Tone ◽  
Medullary Thick Ascending Limb ◽  
Vasa Recta ◽  
Medullary Collecting Duct ◽  
Peak Phase

The intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) response of outer medullary descending vasa recta (OMDVR) endothelia to ANG II was examined in fura 2-loaded vessels. Abluminal ANG II (10− 8 M) caused [Ca2+]i to fall in proportion to the resting [Ca2+]i ( r =0.82) of the endothelium. ANG II (10− 8 M) also inhibited both phases of the [Ca2+]i response generated by bradykinin (BK, 10− 7 M), 835 ± 201 versus 159 ± 30 nM (peak phase) and 169 ± 26 versus 103 ± 14 nM (plateau phase) (means ± SE). Luminal ANG II reduced BK (10− 7 M)-stimulated plateau [Ca2+]i from 180 ± 40 to 134 ± 22 nM without causing vasoconstriction. Abluminal ANG II added to the bath after luminal application further reduced [Ca2+]i to 113 ± 9 nM and constricted the vessels. After thapsigargin (TG) pretreatment, ANG II (10− 8 M) caused [Ca2+]i to fall from 352 ± 149 to 105 ± 37 nM. This effect occurred at a threshold ANG II concentration of 10− 10 M and was maximal at 10− 8 M. ANG II inhibited both the rate of Ca2+ entry into [Ca2+]i-depleted endothelia and the rate of Mn2+ entry into [Ca2+]i-replete endothelia. In contrast, ANG II raised [Ca2+]i in the medullary thick ascending limb and outer medullary collecting duct, increasing [Ca2+]i from baselines of 99 ± 33 and 53 ± 11 to peaks of 200 ± 47 and 65 ± 11 nM, respectively. We conclude that OMDVR endothelia are unlikely to be the source of ANG II-stimulated NO production in the medulla but that interbundle nephrons might release Ca2+-dependent vasodilators to modulate vasomotor tone in vascular bundles.

THE OSMOTIC GRADIENT IN KIDNEY MEDULLA: A RETOLD STORY

2002 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 278-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Kurbel ◽  
K. Dodig ◽  
R. Radić
Keyword(s):  
Hydrostatic Pressure ◽  
Osmotic Gradient ◽  
Interstitial Pressure ◽  
Kidney Medulla ◽  
Limited Space ◽  
Vasa Recta

This article is an attempt to simplify lecturing about the osmotic gradient in the kidney medulla. In the model presented, the kidneys are described as a limited space with a positive interstitial hydrostatic pressure. Traffic of water, sodium, and urea is described in levels (or horizons) of different osmolarity, governed by osmotic forces and positive interstitial pressure. In this way, actions of the countercurrent multiplier in nephron tubules and of the countercurrent exchanger in vasa recta are integrated in each horizon. We hope that this approach can help students to better accept conventional presentations in their textbooks.

Localization of the CHIP28 water channel in rat kidney

1992 ◽  
Vol 263 (6) ◽  
pp. C1225-C1233 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Sabolic ◽  
G. Valenti ◽  
J. M. Verbavatz ◽  
A. N. Van Hoek ◽  
A. S. Verkman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Collecting Duct ◽  
Rat Kidney ◽  
Water Channel ◽  
Integral Membrane Protein ◽  
Cortical Collecting Duct ◽  
Basolateral Membranes ◽  
Vasa Recta ◽  
Weak Staining ◽  
Relationship Of

CHIP28 is an integral membrane protein that has been identified as the erythrocyte water channel and that is also expressed in the kidney. Antibodies against erythrocyte CHIP28 were used to localize this protein along the rat urinary tubule. By Western blotting, CHIP28 was detected in kidney plasma membrane and endosome fractions. With the use of immunocytochemistry, CHIP28 was located in brush-border and basolateral plasma membranes of the proximal tubule. The initial S1 segment was weakly stained, but the S2 and S3 segments were heavily labeled. Subapical vesicles were also positive. Apical and basolateral membranes of the long thin descending limb were strongly labeled, but ascending thin and thick limbs of Henle and distal convoluted tubules were negative. Some vasa recta profiles in the medulla were positive. CHIP28 is, therefore, present in membranes with a high constitutive water permeability, where it probably acts as a transmembrane water-conducting channel. Finally, a weak staining of apical and basolateral membranes of cortical collecting duct principal cells was detectable, suggesting a potential relationship of CHIP28 to the vasopressin-sensitive water channel.

Effect of peritubular hypertonicity on water and urea transport of inner medullary collecting duct

1992 ◽  
Vol 262 (3) ◽  
pp. F338-F347 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. H. Kudo ◽  
K. R. Cesar ◽  
W. C. Ping ◽  
A. S. Rocha
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Collecting Duct ◽  
Osmotic Gradient ◽  
Urea Transport ◽  
Perfusion Fluid ◽  
Cyclic Monophosphate ◽  
Inner Medullary Collecting Duct ◽  
Medullary Collecting Duct ◽  
Series Of Experiments

The effect of bath fluid hypertonicity on hydraulic conductivity (Lp) and [14C]urea permeability (Pu) of the distal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) was studied in the absence and in the presence of vasopressin (VP) using the in vitro microperfusion technique of rat IMCD. In the first three groups of IMCD, we observed that in the absence of VP the Lp was not different from zero when the osmotic gradient was created by hypotonic perfusate and isotonic bath fluid, but it was significantly greater than 1.0 x 10(-6) cm.atm-1.s-1 when the osmotic gradient was created by hypertonic bath and isotonic perfusion fluid. The increase in Lp was observed when the hypertonicity of the bath fluid was produced by the addition of NaCl or raffinose, but no such effect was observed with urea. The stimulated effect of bath fluid hypertonicity on Lp was also observed in the IMCD obtained from Brattleboro homozygous rats in which VP is absent. The NaCl hypertonic bath increased the Pu in the absence of VP. In another series of experiments with VP (10(-10) M) we observed that the hypertonic bath fluid increased in a reversible manner the VP-stimulated Lp of distal IMCD. However, the NaCl hypertonicity of the bath fluid was not able to increase dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-stimulated Lp. The Pu stimulated by VP (10(-10) M) increased twofold when the bath fluid was hypertonic. Therefore hypertonicity of the peritubular fluid produced by the addition of NaCl or raffinose increases the Lp and Pu in the absence and in the presence of VP. No such effect was noted with the addition of urea.

A method for exposing the rat renal medulla in vivo: micropuncture of the collecting duct

1965 ◽  
Vol 209 (3) ◽  
pp. 663-668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuminori Sakai ◽  
Rex L. Jamison ◽  
Robert W. Berliner
Keyword(s):  
Collecting Duct ◽  
Left Kidney ◽  
Electrical Potential ◽  
Renal Medulla ◽  
Distal Portion ◽  
Urinary Flow ◽  
Osmotic Gradient ◽  
Collecting Ducts ◽  
Microelectrode Techniques

A new method involving partial nephrectomy is described by which the distal portion of the rat renal medulla is made accessible to an investigation by the micropuncture technique. Urinary flow was greater and osmolality less in the partially nephrectomized left kidney than the unoperated right kidney but the urine remained hypertonic. Micropuncture of the collecting duct revealed a rising osmotic gradient toward the papillary tip. Electrical potential differences across the collecting ducts were measured by microelectrode techniques. The lumen was electrically negative with respect to the interstitial fluid (mean - 11 mv). It is clear that medullary hypertonicity persists in the partially nephrectomized left kidney and the collecting ducts retain their ability to reabsorb water and maintain a transtubular potential difference. In these aspects of tubular activity, the exposed rat renal medulla appears to be similar to that of the hamster, but has the advantage of a greater exposure of its length to investigation by micropuncture.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document