Renal Physiology Flashcards
water distribution in body
intracellular vs extracellular compartments
majority of water is intracellular
types of solutes
two types of solutes: effective and ineffective
effective: can be sequestered in a compartment to contribute to an osmotic gradient - need active transport to get across a membrane ex. sodium, glucose
ineffective: diffuse freely based on relative concentration ex. urea
total blood osmolality
effective osmolality
total osmolality = 2[Na} + [blood glucose}/18 + BUN/2.8
effective osmolality = 2[Na] + [blood glucose]/18
renal autonomic innervation
NOT INNERVATED BY PSNS
SNS activity controls
- vasoconstriction
- Na reabsorption
- renin secretion
basics renal functions/processes
- filtration: movement of plasma constituents from glomerulus into Bowman’s capsule
- reabsorption: movement of constituents from forming urine into renal interstitium/back into circulation [vast majority of filtrate is reabsorbed back into circulation. 1-1.5L of 180L gets excreted daily]
- secretion: movement of constituents from renal circ, interstitium, or tubule epithelium into the forming urine
nephron structure and how it can impact GFR
- afferent arteriole: vsm capable of contraction
- glomerulus: site of filtration via fenestrations (net negative charge; cations move through more easily)
- efferent arteriole
- peritubular capillaries
rise/fall in glomerular bp - rise/fall in filtration
clearance equation
clearance refers to the proportion of a substance that is excreted in urine
C = [urine] * volume of urine / [plasma] C = UV/P
glomerular regulation of intraglomerular pressure
renal autoregulation
- kidneys will act to protect glomerular filtration at level of nephron
- high bp: contraction of afferent arteriole to reduce glom filt low bp: contraction of efferent arteriole to increase glom filt
filtered load vs fractional excretion
filtered load: how much solute makes it into Bowman’s capsule per unit time
fractional excretion: ratio of solute excreted to filtered load (how much of what’s filtered is actually excreted)
give examples of solute that are…
- not filtered.
- filtered; no reabs, no sec.
- filtered; partly reabs.
- filtered; mostly reabs.
- filtered; completely reabs.
- filtered; secreted.
- not filtered. - large proteins
- filtered; no reabs, no sec. - inulin
- filtered; partly reabs. - urea
- filtered; mostly reabs. - albumin
- filtered; completely reabs. - glucose
- filtered; secreted. - creatinine
virtually no pressure drop occurs between afferent and efferent ends of glomerulus, even in cases where MAP changes a lot describe the mechanisms that regulate glomerular filtration pressure
glomerular pressure regulated mainly at afferent artiolar level
- efferent constriction can also raise glomerular pressure afferent arteriolar vsm constriction/dilation can be triggered by…
1. SNS tone - norepi adrenoceptor dependent vasoconst
2. autoregulation - concerted action of SNS, natriuretic peptides, paracrine factors (NO, prostaglandins), and RAAS - happens due to either PRESSURE INDUCED DISTENSION OF AFF ART or TUBULAR GLOM FEEDBACK SYSTEM
describe how distension of vsm and vascular endothelium in efferent arteriole can affect autoregulation
stretch induced activation of cation channels, depolarization, mobilization of Ca within vsm, contraction!
TGF - tubular glomerular feedback
describe one physiological conditions where TGF varies from its normal functioning
regulated by concentrations of sodium in forming urine in the thick ascending limb
how it works:
- urine in TAL flows past macula densa, whose cells sense Na concentration (in close proximity with JG cells that secrete renin)
- elevated Na conc stimulates macula densa cells to release factors that stimulate aff arteriole to vasoconstrict (ATP, adenosine, thromboxane)
- GFR lowered
special case: volume expansion
-in these cases, you DONT want TGF to work because you need pressure natriuresis to run its course -increased water content keeps Na conc relatively low, so TGF is desensitized! and diuresis can occur
name the key hormones involved in renal regulation of GFR and RBF
- renin
- angiotensin
- atrial natriuretic peptide
- arginine vasopressin (ADH, vasopressin)
- norepi
- aldosterone [no direct effect - resp for Na retention]
name the key players in the RAS and where they are typically found
- angiotensinogen [in proximal tubule cells - also hepatocytes]
- renin [from renal JG cells]
- ACE [in proximal tubule brush border - also lungs/heart/periph vasc/brain]
describe the function of ACE2
found in renal and cardiac tissues
ACE2 converts AII into angiotensin 1-7
- angiotensin 1-7 binds to Mas receptor (Gprotein coupled) and stimulates:
- vasodil, blocks prolif
- promotes bradykinin -counteracts effects of AII
- possibly cardioprotective and antiHTN
how is renin regulated?
renin secretion from jg cells is REGULATED in response to:
- negative feedback from AII
- SNS tone (jg cells have beta1 receptors)
- -distension of aff arteriole (high bp)*
- -macula densa signals (TGF)*
- -ANP*
- [volume related]*
how does ACE effect vasoconstriction?
- produce vasoconstrictor: renin conversion to AII can happen, leading to vasoconstriction
- degrade vasodilator: ACE, while in town to convert AI to AII, also degrades bradykinin (vasodilator)
how does renin secretion help correct hypovolemia?
- AII leads to systemic vasoconstriction, higher bp
- facilitates RENAL CONSERVATION
- AII vasoconst of renal arteries steadies glomerular pressure AND drops flow in peritubular capillaries
- key for establishing hemodynamics favoring reabsorption of water, sodium
describe the expression AT1 receptors and the effects of binding
AT1 = main receptor form in humans
expression
- vsm (afferent and predominantly efferent artioles, renal tubules, periph vasc)
- adrenal cortex
- renal tubule epithelium/JG cells
effects of binding to AT1
- vasoconst in efferent arterioles = maintains optimal filtration
- might activate Na reabs through transporters NHE3, NKCC2, NCC, ENaC as well as Na/K ATPase
- stimulus for aldosterone production/release from zona glom in adrenal cortex
describe the expression AT2 receptors and the effects of binding
AT2 involved in fetal organogenesis
expression in adult: lung, renal coronary, myocardial tissues, cardiac fibroblasts
effects of binding to AT2
- might mediate natriuresis and vasodilation via NO, guanylyl cyclase, bradykinin
- regardless, AT2 has a more modulatory effect (AT1 vasoconst effects will predominate)
how do renin and ACE inhibitors work?
how does this link to ACE escape???
block active sites within renin and/or ACE disrupts production of AII, which precludes its vasoconstrictive and antrinatriuretic effects.
also stops ACE-dependent bradykinin degradation to preserve its vasodil effect
- also knocks out the negative feedback of AII on renin, which means more renin, which means ACE escape…
what is ACE escape?
- drop in AII also leads to drop in feedback inhibition on renin, which leads to upregulation of renin
- even with ACE blocked, this renin can lead to AII formation if it finds pathways of ACE-independent II production (chymases)
describe the effect of norepi on renal regulation
norepi targets both afferent and efferent arteriors, effecting…
- vasoconstriction : lowers gfr and renal blood flow via ALPHA1 RECEPTORS (to maintain volume/conserve/establish favorable hydrostatic gradients)
- renin secretion : stimulates secretion of renin from JG cells via BETA1 RECEPTORS
- some Na/water reabs : high SNS activity can enhance reabs from tubules via ALPHA2 RECEPTORS
describe how AVP is secreted and the effect of AVP on renal regulation
AVP is produced by cells of the hypothalmic supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei and stored in/released from the posterior pituitary -secreted in response to hyperosmolarity
effects of AVP
- vasoconstriction within renal microcirculation and peripheral arterioles via V1 receptor
-
water reabs (AQP2) and Na reabs (ENaC) via V_2 receptor_
* also increases rate of Na reabs via NKCC (TAL), NCC (DCT), and ENaC (DCT)
*V3 receptors are expressed in corticotrops of ant pit - leads to secretion of ACTH
describe how ANP is secreted and the effect of ANP on renal regulation
secreted by atrial myocytes in response to increased RAP
- will exert vasodilatory effects within afferent and efferent arterioles
- will decrease sensitivity of TGF mech
in total
- increases GFR and RBF
- desensitizes TGF allowing for diuresis
- also supresses renin secretion
renal hypoperfusion can lead to ischemic acute renal failure.
describe some mechanisms in place to prevent this
- autoregulation sustains normal blood flow and GFR in low perfusion P states (mediated by prostaglandins)
what about lower perfusion Ps?
mobilization of locally produced vasoconstrictors that hit the afferent arteriole (drop GFR and RBF, but create gradients better for reabs)
renal hypoperfusion can lead to ischemic acute renal failure.
describe some things that increase susceptibility to renal failure
- structural changes in renal arterioles and small arteries
- impaired production of vasodil prostaglandins
- aff arteriolar vasoconst
- inability to increase eff arteriolar vasoconst
basically, things that drop GFR (aff vasoconst, eff inability to vasocont)
what are some clinical signs of renal hypoperfusion?
- increased urinary specific gravity (1.015)
- decreased urinary Na
- urea elevated plasma BUN:creatinine (> 20:1)
name and describe the two mechanisms of reabsorbtion
-
transcellular: movement across apical and basolateral pl membranes via transporter or channel
* requires metabolic energy either to establish gradient or power transport directly - paracellular: movement through tight junctions between tubule epithelial cells
- passive mechanism due to eletrochem/concentration gradients
- SOLVENT DRAG (movement of Na with water) occurs this way
describe Na reabsorbtion in the proximal tubule
what role does GFR play?
approx 70% of filtered load Na is reabsorbed in first half of prox tubule
transport across apical membrane:
Na-glucose cotransporters (SGLT1, SGLT2)
Na-H exchangers
transport across basolateral membrane into interstitium:
Na/K ATPases
Na-HCO3 symporters
- filtration leads to relatively low pressure in eff arteriole and peritubular capillaries
- hydraulic gradient exists
- high GFR means lower pressure in efferent arteriole and peritubular capillaries
- even greater hydraulic gradient for reabs!
describe Na reabsorbtion in the loop of henle and thick ascending limb
thin ascending limb: active Na reabsorbtion (important part of counter current multiplier mechanism to maintain tonicity in renal interstitium)
TAL: impermeable to water, but Na reabs takes place (TAL aka “diluting segment)
apical membrane:
Na-H exchangers
Na/K/Cl via NKCC2 (whose gradient is maintained by ROMK2)
basolateral membrane: Na/K ATPases
how and where do loop diuretics act?
loop diuretics are bound to albumin in plasma and CANNOT be filtered through glomerulus. end up moving into forming urine via prox tubule transporters. travel to TAL via urine to block NKCC2
mech of action:
- blocks Na reabs through NKCC2
- simultaneously promotes elimination of NaCl and K [K wasting], as well as Ca wasting
describe Na reabsorbtion in the distal convoluted tubule
apical membrane: Na/Cl cotransporter (NCC)
*can be blocked via thiazide diuretics
basolateral membrane: Na/K ATPases
how and where to thiazide diuretics act?
thiazide diuretics block action of NCC in the DCT
describe reabsorbtion in the cortical collecting tubules
“aldosterone sensitive distal nephron” bc it reacts to the secretion of aldosterone
apical membrane:
- ENaC - Na reabs
*stimulated by AVP, AII and aldosterone *sets up an electrochem gradient that favors K secretion
- ROMK2 - K secretion
basolateral membrane:
- Na/K ATPases
*stimulated by AVP
name the K sparing diuretics where and how do they work?
amiloride, spironolactone
amiloride works by blocking ENaC in the DCT by blocking Na reabs
spironolactone works by blocking mineralocorticoid/aldosterone receptor in DCT, indirectly blocking Na reabs
thus prevent creation of the gradient that would favor K secretion, so they are K sparing diuretics
how/where is aldosterone secretion stimulated?
aldosterone is secreted from zona glomerulosa cells of adrenal cortex (mineralocorticoid)
- triggered by either
1. AII binding to AT1 receptors in adrenal cortex
2. hyperkalemia
describe the effects of aldosterone on reabsorbtion (general effects; acute vs. chronic)
- causes vasoconstriction in vsm, has effects on transcription
- aldosterone acts on distal nephon, primarily on Na reabs and POTENTIALLY K secretion
two phases: acute (1-4h) and chronic (beyond)
acute: stimulate ENaC activity in DCT
- increased Na reabs might directly activate ROMK2 K secretion to balance electrochem gradient created
chronic: increase expression and import of ENaC and Na/K ATPase into principal cell plasma membranes
general idea: conserve Na, create a gradient for water reabs too, battle volume depletion
describe the aldosterone paradox
in volume depleted conditions, RAAS is activated to conserve sodium/water.
- proximally: NHE3/AII
- distally: NCC/AII; NCC/aldosterone, ENaC/aldosterone
in euvolemic, hyperkalemic conditions: high K stimulates change in expression of aldosterone-sensitive kinases (WNK1, WNK4, SGK1) in distal nephron AND release of aldosterone from adrenal cortex aldosterone WITHOUT AII
- activity of ROMK2 more affected than Na reabs, so you get more K secretion
what is aldosterone escape
- when kidneys are exposed to continuous high levels of aldosterone, pressure natriuresis occurs to get rid of Na/water and avoid a hypertensive state
- due to increased aldosterone activity in hyperald, patients are usually NOT hypernatremic, but often ARE hypokalemic!
therefore the excretion of water and Na allows them to avoid the edema/HTN state that might otherwise be induced
describe the difference between salt-sensitive and salt-insensitive HTN
normally, ingestion of salt leads to higher Na blood levels leads to hypervolemia corrected by pressure natriuresis
in salt-sensitive individuals, increases in salt might reset the renal fx curve such that pressure natriuresis doesn’t occur like it should
- salt-sensitive HTN patients experience increase in bp on ingesting salt
salt-insensitive HTN patients experience no change in bp on ingesting salt
describe the working theory of how the brain’s RAAS can impact bp
- brain possesses salt sensors coupled to bp
- elevated csf [NaCl] leads to upreg of brain AII binding to brain AT1
- brain has enzymes needed for aldosterone synthesis - starts synthesizing aldosterone -aldosterone binds to mineralocorticoid receptors, leading to changes in ENaC flux
- leads to generation of cardiotonic steroids like OUABAIN
ouabain: -affects NCX in arteriolar vsm, favoring vasoconstriction -potentiates activation of brain AT1 (more aldosterone production AND more SNS tone) *higher SNS tone = more alpha1 vasoconstriction systemically) -impairs NO production in renal medullary vasa recta (no vasodil) in total, shifts the pressure natriuresis plot to the right and messes with ability to excrete NA/water when needed
describe Na reabsorbtion in the collecting duct
1-3% of remaining filtered load
apical membrane: ENaC
basolateral membrane: Na/K ATPase
general mech and major risks of hypernatremia
- disprop loss of water
- disprop gain of Na
major risk: can shift osmostic gradient such that water is pulled out of cells, causing shrinking of organs like BRAIN
symptoms: muscle weakness, lethargy, restlessness; coma/death if v severe
general mech and major risks of hyponatremia
symptoms (hyponat vs severe hyponat)
excessively dilute [Na] plasma
3 types: hypo, eu, hypervolemic
- major risk: can draw water into intracellular space, cause swelling
symptoms: lethargy, nausea, muscle weakness, irritability, anorexia
severe hyponatremia symptoms: drowsiness, confusion, depressed reflexes, seizures, coma, death