Speaker: Raymond Mejia.
Title: Models of the Renal Concentrating Mechanism: Parameters Refined by Immunomorphometry.
Affiliation: National Institutes of Health.
Date: Friday, November 2, 2001.
Place and Time: Room 101 - Love Building, 3:35-4:35 pm.
Refreshments: Room 204 - Love Building, 3:00 pm.

Abstract. Mathematical models (countercurrent exchangers described by reaction-diffusion equations) are used to describe the function of the mammalian urine concentrating mechanism, but one particular open problem remains. Namely, how does the inner medulla of the kidney function to concentrate urine? To date, physiological measurements have not led to a solution. We sketch the models, and show how immunofluorescent immunolabeling provides insight for their refinement.