A review of the isolated kidney as an experimental model for pharmacokinetic studies

Traditional distribution studies have been based on methods affording stead y-state partition coefficient or sparsely defined tissue profiles. Isolatio n organ techniques provide a methdology for complete description of drug di sposition at any particular tissue; the kidney constitutes a case for impor tance for those drugs eliminated by renal excretion of those whose toxicolo gical or pharmacological target space is located at this level. The aim of the present review is to analyze the use of the isolated perfused kidney in pharmacokinetic studies and its potential in this field. (C) 2000 Prous Sc ience. All rights reserved.