Comparative Physiology Of The Vertebrate Kidney

This second edition offers a comprehensive overview of the physiological functions of vertebrate kidneys from a comparative viewpoint, with particular emphasis on nonmammalian vertebrates. The topics covered include renal structure; glomerular ultrafiltration; tubular transport of inorganic ions, organic substances, and fluid; and urine dilution and concentration. Mammalian renal function is only considered for purposes of comparison with nonmammalian renal function and as a frame of reference for some of the discussions. The major findings on nonmammalian renal function and the important unanswered questions raised by those findings are described in detail. As such, the book provides comprehensive information on comparative renal function for biological scientists and advanced students of biology with some knowledge of physiology and a desire to know more about renal function in vertebrates, and for mammalian renal physiologists who wish to obtain a broader view of renal function.

An account of the different morphologies of vertebrate respiratory organs and structures. It explains the essence of different functional designs and strategies that have adaptively developed for the acquisition of molecular oxygen and elimination of carbon dioxide. The origins of the various respiratory systems are presented and debated from evolutionary, phylogenetic, behavioural and ecological perspectives. The book carefully outlines the interactions between the environment (the physical realm) and evolution and adaptation (the biological domain) that have set the composition and patterning of extant animal life.

An important collection of reviews summarising our current understanding of the working of the vertebrate kidney.

Original work on the renal structures in three classes of lower vertebrates is presented. By the application of light and electronmicroscopy, histochemistry and the compilation of available information on renal physiology and morphology, further evidence for the homology of nephron segments is forwarded. The results have been correlated with the habitat and evolutionary kinship of the lower vertebrates. A general evolutionary line can be drawn from early vertebrates (e.g. Petromyzontia) via archaic fresh-water fish (e.g. Polyteridae) and lungfish to the amphibian nephron. Renal structures of Elasmobranchs are very complex, but can be compared with the more primitive nephron of the Polyteridae. The morphological basis for the unique ability of the marine Elasmobranchs to build up a high urea concentration in the blood is given by the description of the renal countercurrent system in the lateral bundle zone. The intercalated cells which are prominent in the distal nephron of the mammalian kidney have been traced back via the lungfish and the polypterids to the Petromyzontia. The teleost kidneys appear highly specialized and supply a host of animal models for the study of renal secretion. The morphological information with the compilation of literature on renal physiology in fish is relevant for the understanding of the evolution of the vertebrate kidney and serves as a presentation of animal models for the study of basic renal mechanisms.

This volume discusses renal function and the mechanisms by which the kidney regulates the composition and volume of the extracellular fluid. It also highlights the role of the kidney in the development and progression of arterial hypertension. Most textbooks of renal physiology are based in mammalians physiology and mostly human physiology of the kidney, but the authors considered that this book should also include other species to include the broad spectrum of students and researchers in the life and biomedical sciences. In this sense, we included chapters such as comparative osmoregulation in non-mammalian vertebrates and we emphasize that in vertebrates like fish, reptiles, amphibians and birds, the kidneys and extrarenal organs are vital to maintain fluid homeostasis. The purpose of the book is to provide a concise frame of knowledge in a clear and direct language, of the renal function to medical and biological sciences students. In the context of normal renal function, we provide pathophysiological basis for chronic renal diseases and hypertension with the participation of renal vasoactive hormones. This book is used as textbook in several physiology courses for medical, nursing and biological sciences students at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Finis Terrae University, Universidad San Sebastian as well as other universities.

This book describes a novel and unique approach to the treatment of human diseases based on the study of natural animal models. A natural animal model is defined as an animal group or species that possesses a set of biochemical/physiological characteristics which are natural and adaptive for that animal, but are quite abnormal for humans. For example, how is it that birds can tolerate blood glucose concentrations which in humans are associated with diabetes. The natural animal model is living proof that a biological answer to this question is available. By studying natural animal models, we can gain valuable insights into the treatment of various human clinical disorders. Covering a wide range of disorders, this book describes in detail how medical scientists can take advantage of all the “research” that nature has already performed over billions of years in biological problem solving through extensive animal design testing and selection. Contents:IntroductionDiabetes MellitusChronic Renal FailureAtherosclerotic Vascular DiseaseDisuse Osteoporosis and Disuse Muscle AtrophyAmmonia ToxicityHypoxia/IschemiaEpilogue Readership: Advanced undergraduate and graduate students in biology, medical scientists, comparative physiologists and biologists. Keywords:Comparative;Physiology;Models;Clinical Medicine;NaturalKey Features:Discusses in detail for each of six clinical disorders the current understanding of the pathogenesis of the disorder and how the natural animal model has solved that particular problemSuggests potential research questions based upon what is known and not known about the natural animal modelClearly illustrates that natural animal models not only provide a different perspective from traditional animal models, but also prove that biological solutions currently exist for different human diseasesHighlights the power of a comparative physiological approach to the development of treatments for human diseasesReviews:“This is an interesting and important book … A few of these questions about natural models for disease have been raised before by comparative physiologists, but they have largely been ignored by those involved in medical research. Dr Singer hopes that a presentation by a clinician will correct this situation. I sincerely hope that he is correct for I agree with his basic thesis.”Professor Emeritus William H Dantzler University of Arizona “Michael Singer has produced a marvellous volume of thought provoking observations … This volume presents a tour de force of integrative and comparative physiology to consider the possible answers to such questions … For many reasons, I cannot recommend this splendid book highly enough.”Troels Ring Aalborg Hospital, Denmark “The style is easily readable, with a logical progression from a clinical setting in the Introduction, through a number of common disease entities … There is a satisfying combination of science and art, and a call for further research in each area … The book is suitable for medical professionals of all levels of training and interests, from the Basic Scientist in the laboratory to the Clinician at the bedside.”Professor A R Morton Queen's University, Ontario