Urinary Flashcards
1 With which vertebral levels are the kidneys associated?
T11/12 to L2/3
R being more inferior
1 What type of epithelium is in the Proximal Convoluted Tubule?
Simple cuboidal with brush border / microvilli
1 What are the 2 layers of Bowman’s capsule?
Parietal layer - simple squamous epithelium
Visceral layer - processes of podocytes wrapping around capillaries of glomerulus to form filtration slits
1 Describe in overview the distribution of free ions across cell membranes
ECF ICF Na+ high, low Cl- high, low Ca2+ high relative to ICF, v.v. low K+ v. low, high
1 How are soluble vitamins prevented from being excreted in urine?
D3 and B12 are reabsorbed from filtrate by endocytosis when the proteins that they are bound with (D3 binding protein or transcoalbulmin respectively) bind to megalin receptors on the apical membrane of proximal tubule cells.
1 What happens to urea in the kidney?
Freely filtered 50% reabsorbed via Na+ dependant transporter in PCT 60% Secretion in Loop of Henle 70% Reabsorbed in collecting duct 40% Excreted
1 When could a Vitamin D deficiency affect your Ca2+ levels ?
If you have a low calcium diet, Vitamin D3 is required for the active transcellular reabsorption of Ca2+ in the kidney.
1st yr On which transporters in which parts of the tubule do: amiloride, thiazide and loop diuretics exert their actions?
Amiloride - inhibits Epithelial Na+ Channels in DCT
Thiazide - inhibit Na+Cl- cotransporter in DCT
Loop diuretics - inhibit Na+K+2Cl-in the Thick Acending limb of Loop of Henle
1 How much filtered urea is normally reabsorbed?
50%
2 What factors can affect GFR physiologically?
Age, Pregnancy, sex, size of kidney, size of individual
2 How does renal agenesis arise?
If ureteric bud from mesonephric duct fails to interact with intermediate mesoderm then the metanephros and thus definitive kidney doesn’t form.
2 What’s a hypospadia and how does it occur?
Hypospadia is where urethra opens onto ventral surface of penis, it is caused by a defect in fusion of urethral folds.
2 What’s a patent urachus?
The urachus is a structure in the embryo that connects the urogenital sinus to the umbilicus. During development this normally closes to become the medial umbilical ligament, if it remains open (patent) it will become a conduit for urine through the umbilcus.
3 Why is ultra sound so good for imaging kidneys?
No ionising radiation, quick, cheap, fluid and calcifications can be easily differentiated.
3 Whats the gold standard for suspected ureteric calculi?
CT scan of kidneys, ureter and bladder - CT-KUB
3 What are the 3 most common points at which a kidney stone might get stuck?
Ureto-pelvic junction, pelvic brim, where ureter enters bladder
3 How is the ureter related anatomically to the iliac vessels?
Ureter crosses over the common iliac artery as it bifurcates into the internal and external iliac arteries.
3 Where are most nephrons in the kidney located?
Majority of nephrons are cortical and thus are mostly located in renal cortex.
3 How does blood reach the glomerulus from the renal artery?
segmental arteries -> interloBAR arteries -> arcuate arteries -> interloBULAR -> afferent arteriole
3 Explain how GFR is maintained despite transient rises of blood pressure
2 mechanisms contribute:
Myogenic regulation in afferent arteriole -
decreases blood flow to glomerulus when BP high via reactive contraction of vascular smooth muscle.
Glomerular-tubular feedback -
Raised BP increases tubular flow rate which increases NaCl concentration in filtrate. This is detected by macula densa cells of DCT, which signal vasoconstriction of afferent arteriole.
3 Describe the role of sympathetic innervation to the efferent and afferent arterioles
Normally little sympathetic innervation; but if circulating volume low, e.g. in ischaemia or haemorrhage, can stimulate vasoconstriction of these vessels, preserving GFR.
3 Describe the forces affecting filtration in the glomerulus
Hydrostatic pressure in Bowman’s capsule and oncotic pressure w/n capillary are opposed by the filtration-favouring hydrostatic pressure of capillary. Combination of these gives a net filtration pressure.
3 What are the filtration slits of the glomerulus formed by?
Gaps between the interdigitations of the pedicels / foot projections of the podocytes.
3 What is activated if the perfusion pressure in the kidney/s is low for a sustained amount of time?
The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System
What 3 hormones do the kidneys produce?
Renin, erythropoietin, and calcitonin (active vitamin D)
What is the driving force for transcellular absorption in the nephron?
Basolateral 3Na+2K+ATPase
How does amiloride work?
Reduces sodium and thus water reabsorption by blocking Na+ H+ exchanger in proximal convoluted tubule, and Epithelial Na channels in both the distal convoluted tubule and the cortical collecting duct.
How do thiazides diuretics work?
Block Na+ Cl- co-transporter in distal convoluted tubule -> reduces sodium reabsorption which reduces water reabsorption leading to diuresis.
Why is spironolactone “potassium sparing”?
As well as reducing the reabsorption of sodium and hence water, it also blocks the action of renal outer medullary K+ channels reducing K excretion in the cortical collecting duct.
4 What is pressure naturesis?
Mechaism by which an increase in renal artery blood pressure reduces number of apical NaH transporters and downregulates basolateral NaKATPase. Ultimately this reduces the amount of Na+ reabsorbed so that it remains fairly constant despite increased glomerular filtration rate.
4 What cells are responsible for the myogenic response of auto-regulation?
Smooth muscle cells of afferent arterioles
4 Which part of the kidney tubule is most vulnerable to hypoxia and why?
Thick ascending limb of Loop Of Henle, because it has the highest energy requirement.
4 Which is the “diluting segment” of the kidney and why is it referred to as such?
Ascending limb of Loop Of Henle because there is absorption of ions from the filtrate but no water absorption. Thus the filtrate becomes less concentrated i.e. more diluted as it flows through this segment.
4 How do the macula densa cells sense renal blood flow?
By sensing NaCl concentration in the filtrate via concentration dependent Na+K+Cl- transporters.
4 How does renal artery stenosis affect systemic blood pressure?
Reduces the rate of blood flow to the kidneys, this activates the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone-System raising systemic blood pressure.
4 State 2 causes of renal artery stenosis (narrowing)
Atheroma and fibromuscular dysplasia
4 What is the most osmotically effective solute in the extra cellular fluid?
Na+ (sodium)
4 Why do we need to be able to vary how much sodium we excrete?
To match ingestion, thus retaining sodium balance.
4 Where is most sodium reabsorbed?
Proximal convoluted tubule
4 Where is the majority of water reabsorbed?
Proximal convoluted tubule
4 How is water reabsorbed in the Loop of Henle what makes this possible?
By osmosis in descending limb (none in ascending limb) along concentration gradient set up by sodium uptake in proximal convoluted tubule
4 Why is some of the epithelium of the ascending limb of the Loop of Henle thin?
Allows passive paracellular reabsorption of Na+
4 Why are there K+ channels allowing K+ to flow into filtrate from the cells of the Thick Ascending Limb of the Loop of Henle?
To maintain activity of NKCC2 in apical membrane despite the relative lack of K+ in the filtrate at this point.
4 How is Calcium reabsorbed in the kidney?
Apical transport of ions via channels, after which calcium binds to calbindin.
This protein allows the Ca2+ to diffuse to the basolateral aspect of the cell where it is transported out via the sodium calcium exchanger (NCX).
4 Which hormones regulate calcium reabsorption in the kidney?
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) 1,25-dihydroxy (active) vitamin D
4 What do the intercalated cells in the collecting duct do?
Actively reabsorb Cl- and secrete either H+ of HCO3- depending on which type they are.
4 Explain how Atrial Natriuretic Peptide supports systemic blood pressure
ANP is released by atrial myocytes in response to stretching of atrial wall.
It’s 2 main actions are inhibition of Na+ reabsorption in the collecting duct of the kidney (natureis) and vasodilation. Vasodilation in afferent arteriole of kidney increases GFR preventing activation of RAAS.
If effective circulating volume drops, ANP release is inhibited and so salt and thus water is retained.
4 Why do we need the baroreceptor reflex?
Regulates peripheral vascular resistance, heart rate and contractility of the heart in response to acute changes in blood pressure.
4 What 3 factors can stimulate renin release from the juxtaglomerular apparatus?
Reduced NaCl delivery to distal tubule / macula densa cells
Sympathetic stimulation of Beta 1 receptors of juxtaglomerular cells
Reduced perfusion pressure sensed by renal baroreceptors
4 Which cells release renin?
Granular cells of juxtaglomerular apparatus / near macula densa / DCT
4 How does aldosterone increase blood pressure?
Increases circulating volume by acting of principal cells of collecting ducts to stimulate Na+ reabsorption via activation of EnaC and increasing expression of basolateral NaKATPase.
4 What 3 effects does the sympathetic nervous system have in the kidney?
Stimulates renin release (from granular cells)
Vasoconstriction of arterioles
Stimulates Na+ absorption in proximal convoluted tubule. (Activates apical NaH exchanger and basolateral NaKATPase.)
4 How does Anti Diuretic Hormone cause an increase in concentration of urine?
Increases water absorption in DCT via Aquaporin 2
Stimulates Na+ absorption in thick ascending limb of Loop of Henle via NaKCl cotransporter
4 Which 3 hormones does Angiotensin II stimulate the release of?
ADH
Aldosterone
Noradrenaline
4 What are the direct effects of Angiotensin II in the kidney?
Vasoconstriction of afferent and efferent arterioles
Increases Na+ reabsorption in PCT (by stimulating NaH exchanger)
4 List 6 endocrine causes of hypertension
Primary hyperaldosteroneism / Conn’s syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome (excess cortisol)
Liquorice (apparent mineralcorticoid excess)
Phaeochromocytoma
Acromegaly
Hyper- or hypo-thyroidism
4 What are the 3 main signs of nephrotic syndrome?
Proteinuria >350mg/mmol
Hypoalbuminaemia
Oedema
5 Where is ADH produced?
Hypothalmus (by neurosecretory cells, then stored in posterior pituitary )
5 Why is osmolarity of blood reduced if there is a decrease in effective circulating volume?
Kidneys continue to conserve water at the expense of osmolarity in attempt to maintain circulating volume.
5 What does ADH do to alter the water handling in the nephron?
Stimulates expression of aquaporin 2 in apical membrane of collecting duct, increasing absorption of water
5 What is the medullary counter current mechanism?
Generation of vertical osmotic gradient within kidney interstitum by transport in Loop of Henle that is maintained by flow of blood in vasa recta in the opposite direction to that of filtrate flow in tubules.
5 Where in the kidney would you find glomeruli of the nephrons?
Cortex
5 Why does the thick Ascending Limb of the Loop of Henle need so much oxygen?
To produce ATP necessary for active transport of Na+ into interstitum, increasing osmolarity of interstitum which allows the variable reabsorption of water in collecting duct.
5 What makes urea an effective osmole in the kidney?
Hydrophillic so cannot cross membranes easily without transporters
5 What is nephrogenic diabetes insipidus?
Acquired insensivity of kidney nephrons to ADH resulting in production of large amounts of dilute urine
5 Give 2 common causes of cranial / central diabetes insipidus
Brain tumour
Head injury esp basillar skull fractures
5 Damage to which parts of the part of the brain could result in inability to produce concentrated urine?
Pituitary gland or hypothalamus
5 Give 3 pulmonary causes of SIADH
Pneumonia, TB, small cell lung cancer
5 What is the specific importance of an accurate drug history in a case of suspected SIADH?
Many drugs can cause SIADH including carbimazole, amitriptyline and SSRIs
5 How would you generally treat hyponatraemia?
Fluid restriction and treat underlying cause
5 List 3 cerebellar signs of hyponatreamia
Ataxic gait
Past pointing
Intention tremor
5 Give 4 causes of hypervolameic / oedmatous hyponatreamia
Renal failure
Nephrotic syndrome
Congestive heart failure
Liver failure
5 How do you treat cerebral/renal salt wasting syndrome?
IV hypertonic saline
5 How is cerebral/renal salt wasting syndrome differentiated from SIADH?
Estimation of effective circulating volume: cerebral slat wasting will be hypovolaemic
5 List 5 conditions that could lead to cerebral/renal salt wasting syndrome
Head injury Stroke Brain tumour Intracranial surgery Tuberculous meningitis
6 Why does the tubule pH decrease distally?
Bicarbonate reabsorption in PCT
6 How is bicarbonate recovered from the filtrate in the kidney?
Reacts with H+ -> CO2 and water. CO2 diffuses across membrane into tubular cells where it reacts w/ water to reform H+ and bicarb. Then bicarb transported into capillary.
6 Why does it take 2-3 days for kidney to change serum [HCO3-]?
Creation of HCO3- in kidney involves breakdown of protein the concentration of which is a limiting factor.
6 What does the breakdown of glutamine produce and what happens to these products?
NH4+ / ammonium -> enters lumen and is excreted.
HCO3- / bicarbonate -> enters capillary via Na+HCO3- exchanger
6 Name 2 substances that buffer H+ in urine
NH3 ammonia
PO4 phosphate
6 How could profuse vomiting result in hypokalaemia?
Loss of H+ in vomit may cause metabolic acidosis causing renal K+ wasting as the kidney attempts to correct blood pH. Also some K+ lost with gastric contents
6 Which acid-base disturbance could diarrhoea cause?
Metabolic acidosis if very severe as bicarbonate ions lost
6 Why is there a risk of arrhythmia in hypokalaemia?
Increased gradient between ICF & ECF causes depolarisation of cardiac myocyte sarcolemma increasing excitability.
6 Give 3 symptoms of hypokalaemia
Weakness, polyuria and constipation
6 What are 3 common causes of low serum K+?
Hyperaldosteronism
Increased urinary flow / polyuria
Vomiting or NG drainage
6 Why does an increased plasma osmolarity increase extracellular [K+]?
Increased osmolarity of plasma induces osmosis of water into plasma, K+ follows due to solvent drag.
6 How might salbutamol affect plasma [K+]?
Increases it, as it agonises beta 2 adrenoreceptors in the kidney tubules, stimulating basolateral 3Na+2K+ATPase, increasing rate of K+ reabsorption.
6 Liddle’s syndrome stimulates epithelial Na+ channels in the collecting duct. How does this result in high blood pressure with low [K+]?
Stimulating ENaC increases renal Na+ reabsorption.
This leads to
1. water retention increasing circulating volume and hence blood pressure
2. increased K+ secretion in collecting ducts
6 Explain why a high urinary flow rate would increase K+ secretion
Reduces electrochemical and concentration gradients opposing secretion. This is because
- luminal K+ is passes through tubule more quickly due to the high flow
- Na+ re-absorption is increased as there is a greater filtered load, thus increasing electronegativity of lumen
6 How does magnesium affect the bones?
Increases osteoblast proliferation and hence bone strength
6 Where is most filtered Mg2+ reabsorbed?
Thick Ascending Limb of Loop of Henle (50-70%)
6 How might mild hypomagnesaemia present?
Fatigue, muscle spasms, anxiety, depression, headache
6 What serum concentration would confer a severe hypomagnesaemia?
<0.4mmol/l
6 If a patient had low serum [Mg2+] what changes may you see in their other electrolytes?
Lower K+ and calcium
6 Give 4 signs of severe hypomagnesaemia
Hyperreflexia, tetany, seizures, cardiac dysrrythmias
6 Which 4 commonly used therapeutics can cause hypomagnesaemia?
PPIs
Aminoglycosides (gentamycin etc)
Loop diuretics
Thiazide diuretics
1st year Which hormones control serum calcium levels?
Parathyroid hormone / PTH
Calcitriol / active vitamin D
6 Where in the kidney tubules is calcium reabsorbed?
PCT, TAL of LoH and DCT
6 How does the collecting duct of the nephron help prevent the formation kidney stones?
Calcium sensors in apical membrane inhibit local aquaporin and proton pumps when concentration of calcium in filtrate is high.
6 Which symptom of hypocalaceamia would you be most concerned about?
Laryngospam (tetany of associated muscles associated with vocal cords)
6 Give 2 cardaic consequences of hypocalaceamia
Reduced myocardial contractilty, long QT interval
6 What changes in mental state could hypocalaceamia cause?
irritability, confusion, memory loss, hallucination and paranoia