The glomerular basement membrane charge-selectivity barrier: an oversimplified concept?

P. Goode, M. Shires and A. M. Davison Concept and background The precise nature and role of a charge-selectivity barrier, existing at the level of the glomerular capillary wall has been the subject of continuing controversy since it was first postulated over 30 years ago. Recent studies suggest that some earlier observations may have been overinterpreted and that the conclusions reached should be re-examined. The concept of a charge-selectivity barrier at the level of the glomerular filtration membrane which influences the permeation of circulating plasma pro-teins, dependent upon their charge, became widely accepted during the 1970s and 1980s [1,2]. Evidence was derived from investigations in which anionic site