Resolved: normal glomeruli filter nephrotic levels of albumin

Abstract

The glomerular filtration barrier has long been thought largely impermeable to albumin. Startling new data suggest it may not be especially important in this process. Much of the argument hinges on whether charge selectivity really exists, how feasible it is for enormous quantities of albumin to instead be reclaimed by the proximal tubule, and the technical merits of previous experiments. Three experts in the field debate the merits of this argument.