Glomerular Filtration and Renal Blood Flow Flashcards
What is the normal GFR?
~ 180 L/day
GFR= Kf x NFP
GFR depends on what two factors
- Balance of hydrostatic and colloid osmotic forces across the capillary membrane.
- Capillary filtration coefficient (Kf)- Permeability of capillaries and surface area of capillaries.
Filtration fraction
The amount of the plasma that becomes filtrate
~ 20%
What are the three layers of the glomerular filtration membrane?
- Capillary endothelium (with fenestrations)
- Basal lamina/ basement membrane
- Epithelium of the outer surface (podocytes)
Each layer contains negative charges that make it difficult/ impossible to pass through the membrane.
What are two factors that influence the filterability of solutes?
- Size (smaller the solute the greater the ability to filter it)
- Charge (Positively charged more easily filtered)
What are two ways that capillary filtration coefficient (Kf) can be decreased?
- Decreasing the number of functional glomerular capillaries
- Thickening the basement membrane
These changes could eventually change the GFR
Net filtration pressure in the glomerulus: Forces favoring movement out of the capillary
Glomerular hydrostatic pressure= 60
Bowman’s capsule colloid osmotic pressure (zero in normal physiology)
Net filtration pressure in the glomerulus: forces opposing filtration (into the capillary)
Bowman’s capsule hydrostatic pressure = 15
Glomerular capillary colloid osmotic pressure = 29
Capillary colloid osmotic pressure is influenced by:
- Arterial plasma colloid osmotic pressure
2. Filtration fraction = GFR/ renal blood flow
What are some ways to modify hydrostatic pressure: Bowman’s capsure
We do not usually alter this in normal physiology. But it can be elevated if there is an obstruction of the urinary tract.
Ways to modify hydrostatic pressure: Glomerular capillary
This is the primary means of altering GFR for normal physiology. Can be done by constriction and dilation of the afferent and efferent arterioles.
Constrict AA and dilate EA for decreased GFR
Constrict EA and dilate AA for increased GFR
Renal blood flow effects on GFR
Increase leads to increased GFR
Decrease leads to decreased GFR
Ohm’s law for renal blood flow
RBF= (RAP-RVP)/ Total renal resistance. This is maintained intrinsically by autoregulation for arterial pressures of 80-170 mm Hg.
Sympathetic nervous system control of GFR
Moderate to mild sympathetic stimulation has no significant effect of renal blood flow.
Strong sympathetic nervous system activation decreased GFR through strong constriction of the renal arterioles. This can only be useful for minutes and in extreme cases of blood loss.
Hormone signaling on GFR: Norepi and Epi
Constrict renal blood vessels and decrease GFR
Hormone signaling of GFR: Endothelin
Constricts renal blood vessels and decrease GFR
Hormone signaling of GFR: Angiotensin II
Prevents a decrease in GFR by constricting EE
Hormone signaling of GFR: Endothelial-derived nitric oxide
Dilate renal blood vessels and cause increased GFR