The nephron-arterial network and its interactions

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Tubuloglomerular feedback and the myogenic mechanism form an ensemble in renal afferent arterioles that regulates single nephron blood flow and glomerular filtration. Each mechanism generates a self-sustained oscillation, the mechanisms interact, and the oscillations synchronize. The synchronization generates a bimodal electrical signal in the arteriolar wall that propagates retrograde to a vascular node where it meets similar electrical signals from other nephrons. Each signal carries information about the time dependent behavior of the regulatory ensemble. The converging signals support synchronization of the nephrons participating in the information exchange, and the synchronization can lead to formation of nephron clusters. We review the experimental evidence and the theoretical implications of these interactions and consider additional interactions that can limit the size of nephron clusters. The architecture of the arterial tree figures prominently in these interactions.

Original languageEnglish
JournalAmerican Journal of Physiology: Renal Physiology
Volume316
Issue number5
Pages (from-to)F769-F784
ISSN1931-857X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

ID: 227785900