What is the difference between single nephron GFR and total GFR?
Single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR), an experimentally derived value typically performed in animal models, refers to the filtration of a single nephron.
SNGFR can be affected by hemodynamic alterations or structural damage. As part of the adaptation of the kidney to injury, uninjured nephrons undergo hypertrophy and hyperfiltration to compensate for the loss of functioning nephrons (compensatory hyperfiltration).
Thus the total GFR that is measured or estimated) might remain relatively normal despite a decrease in functioning nephrons (see questions 5 and 8 for how to measure or estimate GFR). As such, the GFR is dependent on the number of nephrons (N) and the SNGFR, as described as follows:
A change in measured or estimated GFR could reflect either a change in nephron number or SNGFR.
