Over the past few decades an exceedingly large number of experimental and clinical investigations have been performed in an attempt to analyze the way in which the kidney functions. The basis for all this work was established during the nineteenth and the early twentieth century by morphologists (Bowman 1842; Hyrtl1863, 1872; Heidenhain 1874; Peter 1909; von Mollendorf 1930). All these investigators clearly outlined the extremely heterogeneous assembly of renal tissue and also defined the nephron as the smallest morphological unit. It was further the merit of these anato mists and histologists to preclude quite a number of nephron functions based merely on their careful observations. Contemporary histologists have been able to add little to these observations. Unfortunately with the introduction of physiologic in vivo et situ studies on kidneys the interest in heterogeneity waned. This lack of attention was aggravated by the introduction of the clearance techniques which cannot account for regional differences in the function of the smallest unit, the nephron. That ana tomic heterogeneity has a functional correlate was strongly suggested by Trueta et al. (1947) and vigorously stimulated a number of studies. The development of physiologic microtechniques, like micropuncture and microperfusion of single nephrons, or the perfusion of isolated nephron portions and electrophysiologic studies, enormously expanded our knowledge concerning details regarding nephron and total renal func tion.

A complete update on the safety testing of foods, drugs, and chemicals in laboratory animals, featuring: - a thorough review of each subject area with extensive revision in line with new information and concepts - electron micrographs in exquisite detail to illustrate results of recent research - the effects of many carcinogens described succinctly and illustrated in detail - neoplasms described in detail and compared with natural and induced tumours in other species - standardised nomenclature. Of interest to those interested in the many applications to human patients, Urinary System: - facilitates uniform interpretation of bioassay results world-wide - provides a basis for understanding mechanisms involved in the functions and malfunctions of the most minute, but important structures of the kidneys - explains the functional significance of details by identifying the composition of structures at the molecular level. Forming a solid basis for understanding the causes and effects of disease of the urinary system, this is essential reading for pathologists, toxicologists, regulatory agencies, and all those involved in carcinogenicity and toxicity studies.

The kidney is innervated with efferent sympathetic nerve fibers reaching the renal vasculature, the tubules, the juxtaglomerular granular cells, and the renal pelvic wall. The renal sensory nerves are mainly found in the renal pelvic wall. Increases in efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity reduce renal blood flow and urinary sodium excretion by activation of α1-adrenoceptors and increase renin secretion rate by activation of β1-adrenoceptors. In response to normal physiological stimulation, changes in efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity contribute importantly to homeostatic regulation of sodium and water balance. The renal mechanosensory nerves are activated by stretch of the renal pelvic tissue produced by increases in renal pelvic tissue of a magnitude that may occur during increased urine flow rate. Activation of the sensory nerves elicits an inhibitory renorenal reflex response consisting of decreases in efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity leading to natriuresis. Increasing efferent sympathetic nerve activity increases afferent renal nerve activity which, in turn, decreases efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity by activation of the renorenal reflexes. Thus, activation of the afferent renal nerves buffers changes in efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity in the overall goal of maintaining sodium balance. In pathological conditions of sodium retention, impairment of the inhibitory renorenal reflexes contributes to an inappropriately increased efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity in the presence of sodium retention. In states of renal disease or injury, there is a shift from inhibitory to excitatory reflexes originating in the kidney. Studies in essential hypertensive patients have shown that renal denervation results in long-term reduction in arterial pressure, suggesting an important role for the efferent and afferent renal nerves in hypertension. Table of Contents: Part I: Efferent Renal Sympathetic Nerves / Introduction / Neuroanatomy / Neural Control of Renal Hemodynamics / Neural Control of Renal Tubular Function / Neural Control of Renin Secretion Rate / Part II: Afferent Renal Sensory Nerves / Introduction / Neuroanatomy / Renorenal Reflexes / Mechanisms Involved in the Activation of Afferent Renal Sensory Nerves / Part III: Pathophysiological States / Efferent Renal Sympathetic Nerves / Afferent Renal Sensory Nerves / Conclusions / References

It is a commonly held belief that athletes, particularly body builders, have greater requirements for dietary protein than sedentary individuals. However, the evidence in support of this contention is controversial. This book is the latest in a series of publications designed to inform both civilian and military scientists and personnel about issues related to nutrition and military service. Among the many other stressors they experience, soldiers face unique nutritional demands during combat. Of particular concern is the role that dietary protein might play in controlling muscle mass and strength, response to injury and infection, and cognitive performance. The first part of the book contains the committee's summary of the workshop, responses to the Army's questions, conclusions, and recommendations. The remainder of the book contains papers contributed by speakers at the workshop on such topics as, the effects of aging and hormones on regulation of muscle mass and function, alterations in protein metabolism due to the stress of injury or infection, the role of individual amino acids, the components of proteins, as neurotransmitters, hormones, and modulators of various physiological processes, and the efficacy and safety considerations associated with dietary supplements aimed at enhancing performance.

A classic nephrology reference for over 20 years, Seldin & Giebisch's The Kidney, is the acknowledged authority on renal physiology and pathophysiology. The fourth edition follows the changed focus of nephrology research to the study of how individual molecules work together to affect cellular and organ function, emphasizing the mechanisms of disease. With over 40 new chapters and over 1000 illustrations, this edition offers the most in-depth discussion anywhere of the physiologic and pathophysiologic processes of renal disease. Comprehensive, authoritative coverage progresses from molecular biology and cell physiology to clinical issues regarding renal function and dysfunction. If you research the development of normal renal function or the mechanisms underlying renal disease, Seldin & Giebisch's The Kidney is your number one source for information.* Offers the most comprehensive coverage of fluid and electrolyte regulation and dysregulation in 51 completely revised chapters unlike Brenner & Rector's The Kidney which devotes only 7 chapters to this topic.* Includes 3 sections, 31 chapters, devoted to regulation and disorders of acid-base homeostasis, and epithelial and nonepithelial transport regulation. Brenner & Rector's only devotes 5 chapters to these topics.* Previous three editions edited by Donald Seldin and Gerhard Giebisch, world renowned names in nephrology. The title for the fourth edition has been changed to reflect their considerable work on previous editions and they have also written the forward for this edition. * Over 20 million adults over age 20 have chronic kidney disease with the number of people diagnosed doubling each decade making it America's ninth leading cause of death.