Functional characteristics of the renal interstitium

The renal interstitial space analyzed as "inulin space" comprises about 13% in the rat. The Starling forces of this compartment are governed by the balance between tubular and capillary fluid transport and also by the leakage of plasma proteins from the blood side. Protein transport will occur in a large-pore system in the peritubular capillary membrane. During control antidiuresis, the interstitial hydrostatic pressure is 2-4 mmHg. The colloid osmotic pressure shows a larger variability but is generally about 5 mmHg. During conditions of depressed capillary reabsorption but unchanged tubular reabsorption, as in saline expansion, the interstitial hydrostatic pressure rises 3-4 times, whereas the colloid osmotic pressure will show a steep fall resulting from the increased fluid entry and unchanged protein transport. The interstitial volume increases only slightly, since it is compressed by the expanding tubules. The influence of interstitial physical forces on tubular transport remains unclear, mainly due to the inaccessibility of the lateral interspaces to direct measurement of relevant parameters.