3 Diuretics Flashcards
What is diuresis?
Diuresis is the increased formation of urine by the kidney
What is a diuretic?
A diuretic is a substance/drug that promotes a diuresis by increasing the renal excretion of Na+/H2O, reducing ECF volume
When are diuretics used clinically?
Clinical use is in conditions where Na+ and H2O retention cause expansion of ECF volume and oedema eg. heart failure
Briefly, describe how diuretics act on the nephron/kidney
Diuretics act by blocking reabsorption of Na+ and H2O by the tubule and increase the fractional excretion (FE) of Na+
Describe the 4 pathways in which diuretics can act on the nephron
- By blocking Na+ transporters in the luminal membrane
- By antagonising the action of aldosterone
- By modification of filtrate content (osmotic diuretics)
- By inhibiting activity of enzyme carbonic anhydrase in the PCT
Identify the 3 types of diuretics which act on cells to block Na+ transporters in the luminal membrane
- Thiazide diuretics
- Loop diuretics
- K+ sparing diuretics
Describe the action of loop diuretics
- Drug is secreted into the lumen in the PCT
- Acts on Loop of Henle
- Blocks NaKCC co-transporter
Describe the action of thiazide diuretics
- Drug is secreted into the lumen in the PCT
- Acts on the early Distal Tubule
- Blocks Na–Cl cotransporter
Describe the action of K+ sparing diuretics
- Drug is secreted into the lumen in the PCT
- Acts on Late DT & CD
- Blocks Epithelial Na channels
Describe how aldosterone acts on the kidney nephron
Aldosterone acts on principal cells of Late DT & CD to increase Na+ reabsorption via ENaC
Identify and describe the mechanism of action of diuretics which antagonise the action of aldosterone
- Aldosterone antagonists act through competitive inhibition of the aldosterone receptor, decreasing Na+ reabsorption
- They also have a K+ sparing effect
Osmotic diuretics act by modifying the filtrate content.
Describe this
Small molecules are freely filtered at glomerulus but not reabsorbed:
- Increased osmolarity of filtrate
- Reduced water & Na+ reabsorption throughout the tubule
Describe the action of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Carbonic anhydrase has an inhibiting effect and interferes with Na+ & HCO3- reabsorption in PCT
Loop diuretics block apical Na-K-2 Cl transporter.
In 5 steps, explain how this leads to diuresis
⇒ Na+ and Cl- is not absorbed resulting in less H2O absorption
⇒ Result is: Na+ and H2O loss
⇒ K+ carried across apical membrane drifts back into lumen via K+ channels
⇒ Creates a (+) lumen potential
⇒ This decreases the absorption of Ca2+ and Mg2+
Provide 2 examples of loop diuretics
- Furosemide
- Bumetanide
Loop diuretics are very potent.
What is the impact of this?
- Affects 25 - 30% of filtered sodium reabsorption
- Segments beyond have limited capacity to reabsorb the resulting flood of Na+ & H2O
Describe the use of loop diuretics in heart failure
- Treats of symptoms of breathlessness & oedema
- Causes vaso and venodilatation (decreases after/preload)
- No effect on reducing mortality
Describe the use of loop diuretics in treating acute pulmonary oedema
IV Furosemide given for rapid action