A mathematical model for the transport of PAH analogues in the kidney

A single nephron model for the transport of p-aminohippurate (PAH) and its analogues through the kidney is investigated. One of the new features of the model is that it incorporates the epithelial cells surrounding the proximal tubules. These cells are the main anatomical sites of transport of PAH. The kinetics of PAH transport is described by a set of linear conservation equations. A stable numerical scheme which is backward Euler's in both space and time coordinates is used to analyze the mathematical problem. Our results are compatible with those of previously published models. An advantage of the present model is that we could study renal isotope images in terms of transport coefficients, flow rates, etc., of the isotope in the kidney and thus could evaluate the renal function in a more meaningful manner.