Nephron functions of an improved isolated perfused rat kidney preparation were studied by micropuncture techniques. Single-nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR), intratubular pydrostatic pressures (IP), transit time (TT), and the reabsorption (R) of H2O, Na, Cl, and K were measured in superficial proximal (PT) and distal tubules (DT) of the preparation. Mean SNGFR was 27.2 nl/min and 25.2 nl/min when measured in PT and DT, respectively. The PT transport functions were well maintained throughout the perfusion (mean values were: IP, 14.3 mmHg; TT, 17.7 s; fractional (F) RH2O, 64%; absolute RH2O, 15.4 nl/min; FRNA, 66.5%; FRK, 71%, and tubular fluid-to-perfusate tf/p) ratio of Cl, 1.37). The short loops of Henle reabsorbed less than 10% of the load of H2O and Na delivered to them and the TF/P ratio of electrolytes in the earliest DT segments were high (TF/P)Na = 0.88, (TF/P)Cl = 1.27, and (TF/P)K = 1.11). This deficiency in function of Henle's loop explains, at least in part, the degree of natriuresis of the preparation (overall FRNa = 97.5%). Transit time to end DT was prolonged (82.3 S) and IP in DT elevated (14.9 mmHg). The DT was able to compensate, in part, for the overload from Henle's loop by reabsorbing 36% of the fluid load and 54% of the Na load delivery to it. We concluded that the improved isolated perfused rat kidney is a suitable preparation with which to study several aspects of renal function, particularly proximal tubules transport functions.