Flow-dependent transport processes: filtration, absorption, secretion.

To define aspects common to different flow-dependent renal transport processes, four examples of such transport processes are considered: glomerular filtration, distal potassium secretion, ascending limb sodium absorption, and proximal fluid absorption. For each example the phenomenon of flow dependence is documented and the mechanism underlying this behavior is explored. Two general types of flow dependence are recognized: dissipative and generative. The first three processes are examples of dissipative flow dependence. In each a flow-sensitive component of the driving force for transport is generated upstream from the site of transport, the transport process tends to dissipate its driving force, and higher flow rates tend to maintain the driving force. The fourth process considered is an example of generative flow dependence. In this case the flow-sensitive component of the driving force is generated within the transporting segment. Flow affects the transport process by preventing dissipation of the driving force, as in the first three cases. Both types of processes can be expected to be more flow dependent in some lower range of flow rate and to be less flow dependent in some higher range of flow rate. This is because the proximate cause of a change in transport, a flow-dependent change in driving force is larger for a given change of flow rate when flow rates are relatively slow.