ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on guiding principles and methods for assessing renal function and toxicity on both the organ and cellular levels. The first section briefly summarizes
some key aspects of renal physiology, anatomy, and biochemistry as they relate to the kidneys as a target organ for chemical induced toxicity. Material presented addresses the central issue of what it is that is distinctive about renal physiology and anatomy that makes the kidneys especially
approaches that are used to study renal function and toxicity. Models range from
in vivo
to
in vitro
, including those with intact tubular structure to subcellular and molecular approaches. Key considerations in the use of these models are discussed, focusing on advantages and limitations to their use in renal toxicology. The third section considers several selected examples of assays used to quantify renal cellular function. These are presented to illustrate examples of both some classic assays as well as newer approaches that can provide insight into cellular metabolism and molecular regulation. It is important to note that this chapter is meant to provide a summary and overview of factors that determine or contribute to nephrotoxicity and the experimental models and assay methods used in studies of renal function and toxicity. Hence, more detailed information on renal structure and function can be found in several texts, books, and book chapters [1,2]. Presentation of methods and assays is not in the form of detailed, step-by-step procedures; rather, presentation of the highlights, advantages, and limitations is the major emphases.
