Countercurrent Exchange in Vessels of Renal Medulla

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Abstract
The incorporation of circulating Kr85, Na24, Il31-labeled antipyrine and human serum albumin, and Aul98-colloidal gold into the renal papilla of rats was studied by autography and densitometry, or by direct counting of radioactivity in tissue and blood. The rates of incorporation indicated were inversely related to the diffusibilities of the different materials, results to be expected if entry into the papilla is through a passive countercurrent diffuser. In the discussion, differences in the functional task set the countercurrent vessels in the fish swimbladder and the renal medulla are stressed.