Biomaterial Database

Glomerular function reserve and sodium sensitivity. 2005

Genjiro Kimura

Department of Internal Medicine and Pathophysiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan. genki@med.nagoya-cu.ac.jp

In clinical nephrology, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has been recognized as the golden standard to assess renal function. However, a normal GFR does not necessarily mean normal filtration capability of the kidneys, because impaired filtration capability can be compensated for by elevating glomerular hydraulic pressure. Therefore, an early phase of glomerular dysfunction cannot be detected by the baseline GFR alone. On the other hand, glomerular capillary hypertension is widely recognized as one of the strong risk factors for the progression of nephropathies. Now, it is very important to imagine glomerular hemodynamics in each patient with nephropathy for detecting early dysfunction, as well as for evaluating risk factors. Here, I would like to summarize the current status of how an early phase of renal dysfunction can be detected in clinical practice. I truly anticipate that new methods to assess glomerular hemodynamics in humans will be developed in the near future.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D006977	Hypertension, Renal	Persistent high BLOOD PRESSURE due to KIDNEY DISEASES, such as those involving the renal parenchyma, the renal vasculature, or tumors that secrete RENIN.	Hypertensions, Renal,Renal Hypertension,Renal Hypertensions
D007678	Kidney Glomerulus	A cluster of convoluted capillaries beginning at each nephric tubule in the kidney and held together by connective tissue.	Glomerulus, Kidney
D008954	Models, Biological	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D005919	Glomerular Filtration Rate	The volume of water filtered out of plasma through glomerular capillary walls into Bowman's capsules per unit of time. It is considered to be equivalent to INULIN clearance.	Filtration Rate, Glomerular,Filtration Rates, Glomerular,Glomerular Filtration Rates,Rate, Glomerular Filtration,Rates, Glomerular Filtration
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D012964	Sodium	A member of the alkali group of metals. It has the atomic symbol Na, atomic number 11, and atomic weight 23.	Sodium Ion Level,Sodium-23,Ion Level, Sodium,Level, Sodium Ion,Sodium 23