William H. Dantzler – författare

Thissecond edition offers a comprehensive overview of the physiological functionsof vertebrate kidneys from a comparative viewpoint, with particular emphasis onnonmammalian vertebrates. The topics covered include renal structure;glomerular ultrafiltration; tubular transport of inorganic ions, organicsubstances, and fluid; and urine dilution and concentration.Mammalian renal function is only considered for purposes of comparison withnonmammalian renal function and as a frame of reference for some of thediscussions. The major findings on nonmammalian renal functionand theimportant unanswered questions raised by those findings are described in detail.As such, the book provides comprehensive information on comparative renal functionfor biological scientists and advanced students of biology with some knowledgeof physiology and a desire to know more about renal function in vertebrates,and for mammalian renal physiologists who wish to obtain a broader view ofrenal function.

Thissecond edition offers a comprehensive overview of the physiological functionsof vertebrate kidneys from a comparative viewpoint, with particular emphasis onnonmammalian vertebrates. The topics covered include renal structure;glomerular ultrafiltration; tubular transport of inorganic ions, organicsubstances, and fluid; and urine dilution and concentration.Mammalian renal function is only considered for purposes of comparison withnonmammalian renal function and as a frame of reference for some of thediscussions. The major findings on nonmammalian renal functionand theimportant unanswered questions raised by those findings are described in detail.As such, the book provides comprehensive information on comparative renal functionfor biological scientists and advanced students of biology with some knowledgeof physiology and a desire to know more about renal function in vertebrates,and for mammalian renal physiologists who wish to obtain a broader view ofrenal function.

This volume emphasizes the comparative approach to under­ standing vertebrate renal function. I am convinced that this approach is of particular value in understanding both the details of renal function at the cellular and subcellular levels and the renal role in regulating fluid volumes and solute concentrations. My exposure to this approach first occurred during a student research experience in the laboratory of Wilbur H. Sawyer, who also provided an introduction to the works of Homer W. Smith and August Krogh. The importance of this approach was reinforced by doctoral and postdoctoral research in the laboratory of Bodil Schmidt-Nielsen. It has been confirmed through years of personal experience since then. My research and my understanding of renal function have been aided through the years by collaboration and discussion with numerous students and associates. Of particular impor­ tance in developing my views on comparative renal function, and especially on the relationship of structure to function, has been my long association with my colleague and friend, Eldon J. Braun. Donald S. Farner, who suggested the writing of this volume, provided valuable editorial assistance. Much of my personal research in this area has been supported over the years by grants from the United States National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health. The writing of this volume was completed while I was in Wiirzburg, Federal Republic of Germany, supported by a Senior U.S. Scientist Award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.