Age‐Related Adaptations in Renal Tubular Function in Female Rats

AIM: Pre-translational studies of mechanisms underlying chronic diseases in adult humans should ideally use animal models corresponding to mature adult rather than young animals. In this study, we examined the impact of age and past pregnancy on renal function in Sprague Dawley female rats. METHODS: In 4.5 month virgins and 12 month breeders, rates of glomerular filtration, urinary excretion, responses to diuretic and electrolyte challenges, and relative abundance of renal tubule transporters (per mg protein) were compared and simulations performed to determine the impact of age on tubular transport and energetics. RESULTS: transporter abundance acts to counteract the effects of increased tubular size. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a greater propensity for sodium retention in females with age, which warrants consideration for hypertension and kidney disease studies.