The measurement of nephron filtration rate and absolute reabsorption in the proximal tubule of the rabbit kidney.

Micropuncture studies were performed in the rabbit to determine nephron filtration rate and absolute fluid reabsorption in the proximal tubule in order to compare the latter value with data obtained with the in vitro microperfusion technique. New Zealand white rabbits, 2-2.8 kg, were studied. Nephron filtration rate was 21 nl/min (n equal to 48) and absolute reabsorption along the length of the accesible portion of the proximal convoluted tubule was 10.3 nl/min. Correcting this value for tubular length gives a fluid reabsorption of approximately 1.9 nl/mm per min. In view of the marked difference between the in vivo and in vitro techniques and the various sources of error with each, this is reasonably similiar to the value of 1.3 nl/mm per min obtained in the isolated proximal convoluted tubule.