This project investigates the regulation of vertebrate renal function, focusing on the reptiles. Although paradigms have been accepted for the regulation of the kidney in nonmammalian vertebrates, relatively little quantitative data is available for any group. This study proposes to investigate the determinants of release for hormones likely to influence renal function. And to provide important information on the hormonal regulation of the reptilian kidney at the whole organ level and at the level of the single functional unit within the kidney, the nephron. These approaches will utilize intact animal studies, isolated organ perfusion, and intravital microscopy. Although mammals and nonmammalian vertebrates share virtually all the hormonal and neural components for the control of excretion by the kidney, the relationships between plasma hormones, neural activity, and renal function appear to be significantly different. This variation in the response of the kidney and in regulatory dominance among vertebrates may allow specific regulatory mechanisms to be more easily observed and elucidated in nonmammalian kidneys. Therefore, this project will markedly broaden our understanding of the regulation of reptilian kidney function, and at the same time, may provide a useful model for investigating principles and mechanisms of renal regulation by hormonal and neural control shared by all vertebrates.//
