Renal Lectures Flashcards
3 processes in urine production
1) Glomerular Filtration
2) Tubular Reabsorption
3) Tubular Secretion
Which 3 layers of the glomerular membrane does the filtrate have to pass through?
1) Glomerular capillary walls
2) Basement membrane
3) Podocyte filtration slits
Factors involved in glomerular filtration: Glomerular Hydrostatic pressure (GHP)
Radius of efferent arteriole is smaller, increasing pressure. This favours filtration from the glomerulus into bowman’s capsule
Factors involved in glomerular filtration: Capsular Hydrstatic Pressure (CsHP)
This refers to the pressure build up within bowman’s capsule. This opposes filtration and aims to push fluid back into capilaries in the glomerulus.
Factors involved in glomerular filtration: What is Net Filtration Pressure?
Forces favouring filtration minus forces opposing filtration
Factors involved in glomerular filtration: Blood Colloid Osmotic Pressure (BCOP)
Occurs because the osmolarity is greater inside the capillaries tahn in Bowman’s capsule. This pulls the fluid into capillaries and thus opposes filtration
What is the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)?
The amount of filtrate kidneys produce each minute
Which factors can impact Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)?
Anything that alters Net Filtration Rate (NFR) will impact GFR. An increase in arterial BP will increase GHP which heightens NFR and thus increases GFR.
Altering GHP can increase or decrease of afferent of arteriole (e.g. higher GHP = increased radius)
Name 5 barriers that must be crossed in tubular reabsorption
1) Luminal membrane of tubular cell
2) Cytosol of tubular cell
3) Basolateral membrane of tubular cell
4) Interstitial fluid
5) Capillary wall
Reabsorption of water in the proximal tubule
The aqauporins are permanently inserted into tubular cell membrane and so as Na+ reabsorption occurs, water willl follow. The Sodium potassium pump in the basolateral membrane works to pull sodium into cappillary against the concentration gradient (water follows b/c of osmosis).
Reabsorption of water in the distal tubule and collecting duct
Vasopressin release is stimulated by osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus (when osmolarity is too high) and left atrial volume receptors (when BP/ECF volume = low). Vasopresssin binds to the basolateral membrane which facilitates the insertion of aquaporins. This increases the permeability of the membrane, thus allowing for water reabsorption.
What is the purpose of the “osmotic gradient” in terms of tubular reabsorption?
Osmotic gradient increases towards the renal pelvis to allow for selective reabsorption of water in the distal and collecting duct
Role of the descending limb (loop of henle) in tubular reabsorption
Highly permeable to water (but does not reabsorb Na+)
Role of the ascending limb (loop of henle) in tubular reabsorption
Actively reabsorbs NaCl but does not contain aquaprorins (impermeable to water)
Water reabsorption in the loop of henle
Water comes in from cortex at 300mOsm. As it descends, water is drawn out at the loop of henle, the filtrate is very concentrated (1200 mOsm). The ascending limb pumps out lots of NaCl and the filtrate leaves very diluted at 100 mOsm.
What occurs in overhydration?
No vasopressin is released and thus no aquaporins are inserted into the distal tubule/collecting duct. More water is excreted and urine is dilute.
What occurs in dehydration?
Vasopressin is released, stimulating the insertion of aquaporins on the collecting duct and distal tubule membranes. This allows water to go back into blood supply and less water is excreted. This increases urine concentration.
The role of Na+ reabsorption in the proximal tubule
67% occurs here and helps with the reabsorption of glucose, AA, Cl-, urea and water.
The role of Na+ reabsorption in the distal tubule and collecting duct
This involves the hormonal control of Na+ reabsorption via the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)
What triggers activation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)?
Low NaCL, ECF volume and arterial blood pressure
Which 3 processes occuring in the juxtaglomerular apparatis can stimulate the release of renin? (RAAS)
1) Granular cells (baroreceptors in afferent arteriole) detect drop in BP
2) Macula densa detect fall in NaCl in distal tubule
3) Sympathetic Activation of granular cells