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Late proximal rat tubular segments were microperfused with slightly hypo- or hypertonic artificial late proximal tubular fluid (ATF) at low (11-13 nl/min) or high (30-38 nl/min) perfusion rates. Volume reabsorption, net chloride and solute reabsorption were measured as a function of length. In addition, the transepithelial resistance and voltage (Vte) were measured as a function of the applied osmotic gradient. Hypertonic solutions equilibrated to isotonicity by solute outflow rather than water influx. With hypertonic ATF the lumen positive Vte was decreased compared with free flow or with hypotonic ATF. The resistance was not significantly different between the different groups. In contrast to hypotonic ATF, hypertonic or isotonic ATF was not significantly reabsorbed. In addition, hypotonic ATF maintained its hypotonicity along the perfused segments. Its reabsorption was flow-dependent. Hypotonicity appeared to enhance solute reabsorption.

The technique of microdissection and the structure of nephrons and collecting ducts from normal kidneys were studied. The structure of the assumedly normal nephrons and collecting ducts is characterized by the uniformity of the outlines of the tubules. The various parts of the tubules are distinguished by the differences in diameter and epithelial structure.

The microanatomy of a unique type of juxtamedullary nephrons has been studied in the rabbit kidney by means of corrosion casts, scanning electron microscopy and the air cast method. The nephrons described in this paper are located in the outer stripe of the outer medulla and are the only nephrons that are not arranged radially within the kidney. They differ from other juxtamedullary nephrons in the morphology and course followed by the proximal tubule and by the close relationship that they establish with the arcuate vessels. The glomerulus of these nephrons is supplied by a short afferent arteriole that arises directly from the arcuate artery. Because of the special characteristics of these nephrons we have named them 'arcuate nephrons'. The morphology, spatial relationships and vascularization of the arcuate nephrons suggest that these nephrons differ functionally from the other juxtamedullary nephrons. Possible developmental factors responsible for the special microanatomy of the arcuate nephrons are analyzed.