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Heterogeneity effects on permeability-partition coefficient relationships in human stratum corneum.

The relationship between the permeability of solutes undergoing transport via the lipid pathway of the stratum corneum and the degree to which the same solutes partition into the stratum corneum has been explored by measuring the permeability coefficients and stratum corneum/water partition coefficients of a series of hydrocortisone esters varying in lipophilicity. Isolated human stratum corneum, used in both the permeability and the uptake experiments, was shown to resemble full-thickness skin in its overall resistance and selectivity to solute structure. As with full-thickness skin, delipidization destroys the barrier properties of isolated stratum corneum. Although a linear relationship is frequently assumed to exist between permeability coefficients and membrane/water partition coefficients, a log-log plot of permeability coefficients versus the intrinsic stratum corneum/water partition coefficients for the series of hydrocortisone esters studied is distinctly nonlinear. This nonlinearity arises from the fact that the transport of these solutes is rate limited by a lipid pathway in the stratum corneum, while uptake reflects both lipid and protein domains. From the relative permeability coefficients of 21-esters of hydrocortisone varying in acyl-chain structure, group contributions to the free energy of transfer of solute into the rate-limiting barrier microenvironment of the stratum corneum lipid pathway are calculate for a variety of functional groups including the -CH2-, -CONH2, -CON(CH3)2, -COOCH3, -COOH, and -OH groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biological Transport↗

Prediction of the oral absorption of low-permeability drugs using small intestine-like 2/4/A1 cell monolayers.

PURPOSE: To characterize the paracellular route of 2/4/A1 monolayers and to compare the permeabilities of incompletely absorbed oral drugs in 2/4/A1 with those in Caco-2 monolayers. METHODS: The cells were cultivated on permeable supports. The 2/4/ A1 expression of genes associated with tight junctions was compared with that in the small intestine using RT-PCR. The aqueous pore radii were determined using paracellular marker molecules. The permeabilities of a series of incompletely absorbed drugs (defined as having a fraction absorbed 0 to 80%) after oral administration to humans were studied. RESULTS: Occludin and claudin 1 and 3 were expressed in 2/4/A1. The pore radius of 2/4/A1 was 9.0 +/- 0.2 A. which is similar to that in the human small intestine, although the pore radius was smaller (3.7 +/- 0.1 A) in Caco-2. The relationship between permeability and fraction absorbed of 13 drugs was stronger in 2/4/A1 than in Caco-2. The relationships were used to predict the intestinal absorption of another seven drugs. The prediction was more accurate in 2/4/A1 (RMSE = 15.6%) than in Caco-2 (RMSE = 21.1%). Further, Spearman's rank coefficient between FA and permeability was higher in 2/4/A1. CONCLUSION: The improved 2/4/A1 cell culture model has a more in vivo-like permeability and predicted the oral absorption of incompletely absorbed drugs better than Caco-2 cells.

Administration, Oral↗

Development of a 7-day, 96-well Caco-2 permeability assay with high-throughput direct UV compound analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim was to replace the traditional 21-day Caco-2 permeability protocol by a more high-throughput assay. METHODS: Caco-2 cells were seeded at high density in 96-well plates in novel cell culture boxes. After 7 days, drug permeability studies were performed. Samples were analyzed by a new UV detection method. RESULTS: With increased cell seeding density. functional Caco-2 monolayers with polarized efflux transporters were established after 7 days in 96-well polycarbonate filter plates in standard medium. For faster feeding and to eliminate medium replacement in each individual well, plates were completely submerged in medium in novel cell culture boxes, and only medium outside the plate was exchanged. For high-throughput sample analysis, a novel UV-transparent transport buffer was established that allowed direct quantification of permeated drug from its UV absorption. In vitro permeability studies analyzing 22 passively absorbed drugs in the new model correlated well with reported human permeability values (r2 = 0.8725). CONCLUSIONS: The new 7-day. 96-well Caco-2 permeability model tight to UV analysis offers considerable time, cost, and resource savings compared to the traditional model. It has a potential for automation and makes it possible to determine the permeability of passively diffusing compounds and to classify them according to the BCS in a truly medium- to high-throughput mode.

Algorithms↗

Effect of protamine on the permeability and structure of rat peritoneum.

The effect of protamine, a polycationic protein, on the mesothelial permeability and ultrastructure was evaluated in a rat model of peritoneal dialysis. The peritoneal permeability to urea and inulin were measured after the intraperitoneal instillation of protamine sulfate in varying concentrations. A functional correlation was made with the ultrastructure of omentum. Protamine concentrations between 5 and 30 micrograms/ml decreased the permeability to inulin without significantly altering that of urea. At concentrations from 30 to 75 micrograms/ml, protamine increased permeability to urea by 50% and to inulin by 20%. Mesothelial cells revealed a loss of microvilli and minor degrees of disorganization of submembranous, cytoplasmic microfilaments without significant changes in the intramembranous structure of occluding junctions. Effects were partially reversible. At a concentration of 100 micrograms/ml, there was an irreversible doubling in permeability to inulin without a comparable effect on permeability to urea associated with the disruption of occluding junctions in focal areas. This complex response to protamine suggests at least two transperitoneal diffusion pathways, transcellular and paracellular. The mesothelial cell occluding junctions may be a diffusion barrier in the latter pathway.

Animals↗

Identification of a functionally important sequence in the cytoplasmic tail of integrin beta 3 by using cell-permeable peptide analogs.

Integrins are major two-way signaling receptors responsible for the attachment of cells to the extracellular matrix and for cell-cell interactions that underlie immune responses, tumor metastasis, and progression of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. We report the structure-function analysis of the cytoplasmic tail of integrin beta 3 (glycoprotein IIla) based on the cellular import of synthetic peptide analogs of this region. Among the four overlapping cell-permeable peptides, only the peptide carrying residues 747-762 of the carboxyl-terminal segment of integrin beta 3 inhibited adhesion of human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells and of human endothelial cells (ECV) 304 to immobilized fibrinogen mediated by integrin beta 3 heterodimers, alpha IIb beta 3, and alpha v beta 3, respectively. Inhibition of adhesion was integrin-specific because the cell-permeable beta 3 peptide (residues 747-762) did not inhibit adhesion of human fibroblasts mediated by integrin beta 1 heterodimers. Conversely, a cell-permeable peptide representing homologous portion of the integrin beta 1 cytoplasmic tail (residues 788-803) inhibited adhesion of human fibroblasts, whereas it was without effect on adhesion of HEL or ECV 304 cells. The cell-permeable integrin beta 3 peptide (residues 747-762) carrying a known loss-of-function mutation (Ser752Pro) responsible for the genetic disorder Glanzmann thrombasthenia Paris I did not inhibit cell adhesion of HEL or ECV 304 cells, whereas the beta 3 peptide carrying a Ser752Ala mutation was inhibitory. Although Ser752 is not essential, Tyr747 and Tyr759 form a functionally active tandem because conservative mutations Tyr747Phe or Tyr759Phe resulted in a nonfunctional cell permeable integrin beta 3 peptide. We propose that the carboxyl-terminal segment of the integrin beta 3 cytoplasmic tail spanning residues 747-762 constitutes a major intracellular cell adhesion regulatory domain (CARD) that modulates the interaction of integrin beta 3-expressing cells with immobilized fibrinogen. Import of cell-permeable peptides carrying this domain results in inhibition "from within" of the adhesive function of these integrins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

MEK kinase 1 induces mitochondrial permeability transition leading to apoptosis independent of cytochrome c release.

Induction of apoptosis often converges on the mitochondria to induce permeability transition and release of apoptotic proteins into the cytoplasm resulting in the biochemical and morphological alteration of apoptosis. Activation of a serine threonine kinase MEK kinase 1 (MEKK1) is involved in the induction of apoptosis. Expression of a kinase-inactive MEKK1 blocks genotoxin-induced apoptosis. Upon apoptotic stimulation, MEKK1 is cleaved into a 91-kDa kinase fragment that further induces an apoptotic response. Mutation of a consensus caspase 3 site in MEKK1 prevents its induction of apoptosis. The mechanism of MEKK1-induced apoptosis downstream of its cleavage, however, is unknown. Herein we demonstrate that full-length and cleaved MEKK1 leads to permeability transition in the mitochondria. This permeability transition occurs through opening of the permeability transition (PT) pore. Inhibiting PT pore opening and reactive oxygen species production effectively reduced MEKK1-induced apoptosis. Overexpression of MEKK1, however, failed to release cytochrome c from the mitochondria or activate caspase 9. Since Bcl2 regulates changes in mitochondria and blocks MEKK1-induced apoptosis, we determined that Bcl2 blocks MEKK1-induced apoptosis when targeted to the mitochondria. This occurs downstream of MEKK1 cleavage, since Bcl2 fails to block cleavage of MEKK1. In mouse embryonic fibroblast cells lacking caspase 3, the cleaved but not full-length MEKK1 induces apoptosis and permeability transition in the mitochondria. Overall, this suggests that cleaved MEKK1 leads to permeability transition contributing to MEKK1-induced apoptosis independent of cytochrome c release from the mitochondria.

Animals↗

p21-activated kinase regulates endothelial permeability through modulation of contractility.

Endothelial cells lining the vasculature have close cell-cell associations that maintain separation of the blood fluid compartment from surrounding tissues. Permeability is regulated by a variety of growth factors and cytokines and plays a role in numerous physiological and pathological processes. We examined a potential role for the p21-activated kinase (PAK) in the regulation of vascular permeability. In both bovine aortic and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, PAK is phosphorylated on Ser141 during the activation downstream of Rac, and the phosphorylated subfraction translocates to endothelial cell-cell junctions in response to serum, VEGF, bFGF, TNFalpha, histamine, and thrombin. Blocking PAK activation or translocation prevents the increase in permeability across the cell monolayer in response to these factors. Permeability correlates with myosin phosphorylation, formation of actin stress fibers, and the appearance of paracellular pores. Inhibition of myosin phosphorylation blocks the increase in permeability. These data suggest that PAK is a central regulator of endothelial permeability induced by multiple growth factors and cytokines via an effect on cell contractility. PAK may therefore be a suitable drug target for the treatment of pathological conditions where vascular leak is a contributing factor, such as ischemia and inflammation.

Actins↗

Monovalent and divalent cation permeability and block of neuronal nicotinic receptor channels in rat parasympathetic ganglia.

Acetylcholine-evoked currents mediated by activation of nicotinic receptors in rat parasympathetic neurons were examined using whole-cell voltage clamp. The relative permeability of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) receptor channel to monovalent and divalent inorganic and organic cations was determined from reversal potential measurements. The channel exhibited weak selectivity among the alkali metals with a selectivity sequence of Cs+ > K+ > Rb+ > Na+ > Li+, and permeability ratios relative to Na+ (Px/PNa) ranging from 1.27 to 0.75. The selectivity of the alkaline earths was also weak, with the sequence of Mg2+ > Sr2+ > Ba2+ > Ca2+, and relative permeabilities of 1.10 to 0.65. The relative Ca2+ permeability (PCa/PNa) of the neuronal nACh receptor channel is approximately fivefold higher than that of the motor endplate channel (Adams, D. J., T. M. Dwyer, and B. Hille. 1980. Journal of General Physiology. 75:493-510). The transition metal cation, Mn2+ was permeant (Px/PNa = 0.67), whereas Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+ blocked ACh-evoked currents with half-maximal inhibition (IC50) occurring at approximately 500 microM, 5 microM and 1 mM, respectively. In contrast to the muscle endplate AChR channel, that at least 56 organic cations which are permeable to (Dwyer et al., 1980), the majority of organic cations tested were found to completely inhibit ACh-evoked currents in rat parasympathetic neurons. Concentration-response curves for guanidinium, ethylammonium, diethanolammonium and arginine inhibition of ACh-evoked currents yielded IC50's of approximately 2.5-6.0 mM. The organic cations, hydrazinium, methylammonium, ethanolammonium and Tris, were measureably permeant, and permeability ratios varied inversely with the molecular size of the cation. Modeling suggests that the pore has a minimum diameter of 7.6 A. Thus, there are substantial differences in ion permeation and block between the nACh receptor channels of mammalian parasympathetic neurons and amphibian skeletal muscle which represent functional consequences of differences in the primary structure of the subunits of the ACh receptor channel.

Acetylcholine↗

Dietary fructooligosaccharides increase intestinal permeability in rats.

We showed previously that fructooligosaccharides (FOS) decrease the resistance to salmonella infection in rats. However, the mechanism responsible for this effect is unclear. Therefore, we examined whether dietary FOS affects intestinal permeability before and after infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis. Male Wistar rats were fed restricted quantities of a purified diet that mimicked the composition of a Western human diet. The diet was supplemented with 60 g/kg cellulose (control) or 60 g/kg FOS and with 4 mmol/kg of the intestinal permeability marker chromium EDTA (CrEDTA) (n = 8 or 10). After an adaptation period of 2 wk, rats were orally infected with 10(8) colony-forming units (cfu) of S. enteritidis. Mucin concentrations in intestinal contents and mucosa were measured fluorimetrically, as markers of mucosal irritation. Intestinal permeability was determined by measuring urinary CrEDTA excretion. Translocation of salmonella was quantified by analysis of urinary nitric oxide metabolites with time. Before infection, FOS increased mucosal lactobacilli and enterobacteria in cecum and colon, but not in the ileum. However, FOS increased cytotoxicity of fecal water and intestinal permeability. Moreover, FOS increased fecal mucin excretion and mucin concentrations in cecal and colonic contents, and in cecal mucosa before infection. After infection, mucin excretion and intestinal permeability in the FOS groups increased even further in contrast to the control group. In addition, FOS increased translocation of salmonella to extraintestinal sites. Thus, FOS impairs the intestinal barrier in rats, as indicated by higher intestinal permeability. Whether these results can be extrapolated to humans requires further investigation.

Animals↗

Stem sapwood permeability in relation to crown dominance and site quality in self-thinning fire-origin lodgepole pine stands.

Stem sapwood hydraulic permeability, tree leaf area, sapwood basal area, earlywood to latewood ratio of annual rings, radial variation in hydraulic permeability and stem hydraulic capacity were examined in dominant (D), codominant (CD) and suppressed (SP) lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.) trees growing on medium and poor sites. Hydraulic permeability on a sapwood area basis (ks) was lower in suppressed trees (0.71 x 10(-12) m2) compared to dominants (1.97 x 10(-12) m2) and codominants (1.79 x 10(-12) m2), and higher on medium than on poor sites. The leaf/sapwood area ratio (S) varied with crown dominance position (D > CD > SP) but not by site type. Leaf specific conductivity (kL) did not vary between crown classes or site types. The relationship between leaf area and stem hydraulic supply capacity (Q*) was strong, but differed among crown classes. Dominant trees and trees from the medium sites had a greater proportion of earlywood in outer rings of sapwood than suppressed trees. Sapwood permeability declined from the cambium to the sapwood-heartwood boundary in all samples, but the decline was more gradual in dominant trees compared to codominant and suppressed trees; differences in the radial variation in sapwood permeability may be related to differences in S. Sapwood permeability is positively related to crown dominance, whereas subdominant (CD and SP) trees have greater Q* in relation to leaf area, leading us to propose that this may give subdominant trees a survival advantage, slowing self-thinning.

Fires↗

In vitro effects of fentanyl, methohexital, and thiopental on brain endothelial permeability.

BACKGROUND: The use of anesthetics can lead to changes of the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To eliminate those factors, such as varying hemodynamic effects that are associated with anesthesia, an in vitro model of the BBB consisting of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC) was used to study the direct effects of the opiate, fentanyl, and the barbiturates methohexital and thiopental, which are widely used in the clinical setting, on the permeability of confluent monolayers. METHODS: BMEC isolated from porcine brains were grown to confluence on collagen-coated polycarbonate membranes, which were placed into 24 well dishes, thus forming a two-compartment chamber. The permeability of the BMEC monolayer to ions--determined by measurements of the transendothelial resistance (TER)--the passage of sucrose, Evans Blue albumin (EBA), and alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) across the BMEC monolayer were assessed in the presence and absence of fentanyl (25-100 ng/ml), methohexital (10-50 micrograms/ml), and thiopental (25-100 micrograms/ml). RESULTS: The permeability of cultured BMEC to the tracers used increased significantly after exposure of the monolayer to arabinose and after removal of calcium ions. Fentanyl, methohexital, and thiopental did not change the permeability of the cell monolayer to ions, sucrose, albumin, and AIB. Only thiopental at the concentration of 100 micrograms/ml increased the flux of AIB. CONCLUSIONS: At the concentrations tested, there is little evidence of changes in the permeability of the in vitro BBB caused by fentanyl, methohexital, and thiopental regarding the para- and transcellular route of ions, sucrose, and albumin. Only thiopental at a concentration of 100 micrograms/ml increased the passage of AIB across the BMEC monolayer.

Albumins↗

Colloid determination of fibrin network permeability.

The effects of polymers, dextran and polyvinylpyrolidone (PVP) and of albumin on the permeability of thrombin-induced fibrin networks developed in plasma were examined. Both PVP and dextran increased the network permeability and turbidity and increased the fibrin fibre thickness. The effect was molecular weight dependent. Derivation of the dimensionless permeability (permeability/fibre radius2) indicated that the increase in network permeability was mainly from altered arrangement of fibres and not from increased fibre thickness. The effects of albumin on network structure were similar to those of the polymers. Scanning electron microscopy of networks developed in plasma under the influence of dextran and poloxamer 188 showed fibres with increased thickness and a coarse nodular appearance. There was an increased tendency for fibres to be aggregated into clumps. It is suggested that during polymerization fibrin fibres and fibrin polymerization intermediaries behave as colloidal particles. Attractive forces between the particles are generated by soluble macromolecules such as plasma proteins or polymers. Attractive forces increase the thickness of fibrin fibres and induce a more permeable arrangement of the fibres in the network. The most likely colloidal mechanism is depletion flocculation. This would account for (1) the molecular weight dependence and concentration dependence of the effects of macromolecules, (2) the effects of macromolecules which do not bind to fibrin, (3) the effects of the surfactant poloxamer 188. Depletion flocculation may be a significant mechanism for biological regulation of fibrin network permeability by non-specific macromolecules such as soluble proteins or fibrin intermediaries.

Albumins↗

Hydraulic permeability of (un)bounded fibrous media using the lattice boltzmann method

Several articles have been written regarding the hydraulic permeability of ordered and disordered fibrous media. Here, we explore wall effects on hydraulic permeabilities for ordered and disordered media using the lattice Boltzmann (LB) simulation method. Simulation results are found to be in excellent agreement with the semi analytic result of Sangani and Acrivos, and simulation results for disordered media are in good agreement with the results of Jackson and James and Higdon and Ford's fcc lattice. The macroscopic behavior, the hydraulic permeability, shows a distinct connection with the geometry of the system. This connection is explored and elucidated for ordered and disordered media. Finally, hydraulic permeabilities for bounded media at various wall separations are presented for both ordered and disordered media and results are compared with hydraulic permeabilities calculated for the unbounded media, and a phenomenological correlation is presented to facilitate rapid prediction of hydraulic permeabilities for both unbounded and bounded fibrous media.

Journal Article↗

Satiated relative permeability of variable-aperture fractures.

Experimental studies of capillary-dominated displacements in variable-aperture fractures have demonstrated the occurrence of a satiated state at the end of invasion, where significant entrapment of the displaced phase occurs. The structure of this entrapped phase controls the behavior of flow and transport processes in the flowing phase. Recent studies have shown that the areal saturation of the flowing phase at satiation (S(f) ) is largely controlled by a single parameter C/delta , where C , the curvature number, weighs the mean in-plane interfacial curvature relative to the mean out-of-plane interfacial curvature, and delta , the coefficient of variation of the aperture field, represents the strength of interface roughening induced by aperture variations. Here we consider the satiated relative permeability (k(rs)) to the flowing phase, which is defined as the relative permeability when the defending phase is fully entrapped. The satiated relative permeability is shown to be a well-defined function of S(f) over a wide range of C/delta , ranging from capillary fingering with significant entrapment (C/delta-->0) to smooth invasion with very little entrapment (C/delta > 1) . We develop a relationship for k(rs) as a function of S(f), by combining theoretical results for the effective permeability in a spatially correlated random permeability field, with results from continuum percolation theory for quantifying the influence of the entrapped phase. The resulting model for k(rs) also involves a dependence on delta . The predicted relative permeability values are accurate across the entire range of phase structures representative of capillary-dominated displacements in variable-aperture fractures.

Journal Article↗

Anion Selectivity of Slow Anion Channels in the Plasma Membrane of Guard Cells (Large Nitrate Permeability).

Closing of stomatal pores in the leaf epidermis of higher plants is mediated by long-term release of potassium and the anions chloride and malate from guard cells and by parallel metabolism of malate. Previous studies have shown that slowly activating anion channels in the plasma membrane of guard cells can provide a major pathway for anion efflux while also controlling K+ efflux during stomatal closing: Anion efflux produces depolarization of the guard cell plasma membrane that drives K+ efflux required for stomatal closing. The patch-clamp technique was applied to Vicia faba guard cells to determine the permeability of physiologically significant anions and halides through slow anion channels to assess the contribution of these anion channels to anion efflux during stomatal closing. Permeability ratio measurements showed that all tested anions were permeable with the selectivity sequence relative to Cl- of NO3- > Br- > F- ~ Cl- ~ I- > malate. Large malate concentrations in the cytosol (150 mM) produced a slow down-regulation of slow anion channel currents. Single anion channel currents were recorded that correlated with whole-cell anion currents. Single slow anion channels confirmed the large permeability ratio for nitrate over chloride ions. Furthermore, single-channel studies support previous indications of multiple conductance states of slow anion channels, suggesting cooperativity among anion channels. Anion conductances showed that slow anion channels can mediate physiological rates of Cl- and initial malate efflux required for mediation of stomatal closure. The large NO3- permeability as well as the significant permeabilities of all anions tested indicates that slow anion channels do not discriminate strongly among anions. Furthermore, these data suggest that slow anion channels can provide an efficient pathway for efflux of physiologically important anions from guard cells and possibly also from other higher plant cells that express slow anion channels.

Journal Article↗

Water Permeability during Tomato Fruit Development in Normal and rin Nonripening Mutant.

This work tested one aspect of the relations between membrane permeability and fruit ripening. Membrane permeability was measured as [(3)H]water efflux rate from preloaded fruit pericarp disks. Different stages of fruit development were compared between two tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) strains: the normal Rutgers and the isogenic nonripening rin strain. The first significant increase in permeability was measured in Rutgers tissue at 110% of development, after fruit ripening had already begun as indicated by ethylene and CO(2) evolution and lycopene synthesis. The rin did not show any increase in tissue permeability during fruit development or maturation.Our results do not support the idea that the first event of the ripening process is an increase in membrane permeability. Nevertheless, the nonripening mutant fails to show the normal increase in permeability.

Journal Article↗

Al and Ca Alteration of Membrane Permeability of Quercus rubra Root Cortex Cells.

This study was undertaken to quantify the effect of aluminum and calcium on membrane permeability. The influence of Ca(2+) (0.2-3.7 millimolar) and Al(3+) (0-3.7 millimolar) on the permeability of root cortical cells of Quercus rubra was measured using three nonelectrolytes (urea, methyl urea, and ethyl urea) as permeators of progressively increasing lipid solubility. Water permeability was also measured. Al(3+) (a) increased membrane permeability to the nonelectrolytes, (b) decreased the membrane's partiality for lipid permeators, and (c) decreased membrane permeability to water. Ca(2+) had effects on permeability that were opposite to those of Al(3+). When Al(3+) and Ca(2+) were tested in combination, these opposite effects counteracted each other. The results suggest that Al(3+) altered the architecture of membrane lipids.

Journal Article↗

Net ultrafiltration may not eliminate backfiltration during hemodialysis with highly permeable membranes.

Backfiltration of dialysis solution can occur during hemodialysis with highly permeable membranes. A method has recently been developed for determining backfiltration rates in vitro at low dialysate flow rates by measuring changes in the local dialysate concentration of a marker macromolecule via sampling ports added to the hemodialyzer housing. In the present study, the influence of net ultrafiltration on backfiltration rates was determined for five commercial dialyzers containing membranes with different water permeabilities. In vitro experiments were performed (n = 3) using freshly donated whole blood at blood flow rates of 200 and 340 ml/min and at a dialysate flow rate of 100 ml/min. At zero net ultrafiltration, backfiltration rates increased with increasing membrane water permeability and ranged from 0.9 to 6.9 ml/min. At a net ultrafiltration rate of 10 ml/min, backfiltration was eliminated for dialyzers containing membranes with water permeabilities of less than 30 ml/h/mm Hg but remained significant for dialyzers with higher membrane water permeabilities. Therefore, despite a significant net ultrafiltration rate, backfiltration may still occur during hemodialysis with highly permeable membranes.

Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate↗