S6) Regulation of Ions Flashcards
With reference to the CO2 / HCO3- buffer system, explain the control of blood pH
pH depends on how much CO2 reacts to form H+:
- [CO2]dissolved pushes reaction to right
- [HCO3-] pushes reaction to left
Briefly describe how pH varies along the nephron
HCO3- is filtered at the glomerulus but ~ 80% recovered in PCT.
Describe how the renal recovery of bicarbonate occurs
- H+ excretion linked to Na+ entry in PCT
- H+ reacts with HCO3- in the lumen to form CO2 which enters cell
- Converted back to HCO3- which enters ECF
Identify the two buffers for H+ excretion in the kidney
- HPO42- (or some titratable acid)
- NH4+
Illustrate the role of NH4+ in the H+ buffering systems in the kidney
Illustrate the role of HPO42- in the H+ buffering systems in the kidney
Loss of Cl- and K+ have a synergistic effect on alkalosis.
Explain why this is
- Normally, kidneys respond rapidly to increased HCO3- by excreting the excess
- Sustained alkalosis occurs when something else disrupts renal regulation of alkali (potassium & chloride)
Distinguish between the acid-base status after vomiting and diarrhoea respectively
- Vomiting: loss of H+ and K+ → metabolic alkalosis
- Diarrhoea: loss of K+ and HCO3- → metabolic acidosis
Explain how the inhibited Cl- and K+ reabsorption by furosemide contributes to chloride, sodium, potassium and water loss
How would one treat a 66 year old man taking furosemide with metabolic alkalosis and a 2 day history of vomiting and diarrhoea?
- Stop furosemide diuretic
- Replace NaCl
- Replace KCl
Approximately 98% of total body K+ is found in cells.
Identify 5 organs/compartments where K+ is largely distributed
- Muscle (most)
- Liver
- Interstitial fluid
- Red blood cells
- Plasma (least)
What is the normal [K+]plasma ?
Serum potassium = 4 mmol/L (3.5-5.5)
What is the recommended daily intake of potassium?
Average daily intake 40 – 100 mmol / day
What prevents the toxic accumulation of ingested K+ in the extracellular compartment?
- K+ uptake into cells (quick)
- K+ excretion in urine (6-8 hours)
How much potassium is lost in urine?
80-90% lost in urine (remainder in faeces / sweat)
3 Na+ / 2 K+ ATPase facilitates potassium uptake into cells.
Which 3 factors/events increase and decrease its activity?
- Increased by: insulin, β2 receptor agonists, noradrenaline, aldosterone, [K+]plasma
- Decreased by: digitalis, chronic disease (heart failure, CKD)
Which factors increase and decrease potassium excretion from cells?
- Increased by: high osmolality, acidosis, cell damage, exercise
- Decreased by: alkalosis
Briefly, describe the renal regulation of [K+]plasma
[K+]plasma is regulated by excretion not absorption
kidneys excrete 80% of K
bowels excrete 20% of K
so either need to increase excretion or dialysis to remove potassium
Where in the kidney nephron is potassium reabsorbed?
- 65 – 70% PCT (paracellular)
- 20 – 25% TAL (transcellular)
Describe the mechanisms driving K+ transport in the DCT
Describe the mechanisms driving K+ secretion in CD
Describe the mechanisms driving K+ reabsorption in the collecting duct
Illustrate the variable K+ excretion based on [K+]plasma
How does aldosterone act to increase K+ secretion?
- ↑ [K+]intracellular
- ↑ electronegative lumen (Na+ reabsorption)
- ↑ permeability of luminal membrane