Biomaterial Database

Renal physiology series: Part 2 of 8. Glomerular filtration and renal hemodynamics. 1992

M J Holechek

The formation of urine is a process that begins with glomerular filtration and is greatly influenced by changes in renal hemodynamics. Selective filtration of the blood is possible because of the unique characteristics of the glomerulus and renal circulation. Many factors interact to maintain a consistent blood flow, allowing filtration and urine formation to continue despite systemic changes in blood pressure. Factors that impact on renal hemodynamics include the autoregulatory mechanism, the renin-angiotensin mechanism, eicosanoids, kinins, the sympathetic nervous system, catecholamines, antidiuretic hormone, dopamine, histamine, endothelin, endothelium-derived relaxing factor, and atrial natriuretic peptide. Knowledge of the effects of these factors will allow the nephrology nurse to predict, identify, and assist in the treatment of clinical conditions that can alter renal hemodynamics and glomerular filtration.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D012079	Renal Circulation	The circulation of the BLOOD through the vessels of the KIDNEY.	Kidney Circulation,Renal Blood Flow,Circulation, Kidney,Circulation, Renal,Blood Flow, Renal,Flow, Renal Blood
D012084	Renin-Angiotensin System	A BLOOD PRESSURE regulating system of interacting components that include RENIN; ANGIOTENSINOGEN; ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME; ANGIOTENSIN I; ANGIOTENSIN II; and angiotensinase. Renin, an enzyme produced in the kidney, acts on angiotensinogen, an alpha-2 globulin produced by the liver, forming ANGIOTENSIN I. Angiotensin-converting enzyme, contained in the lung, acts on angiotensin I in the plasma converting it to ANGIOTENSIN II, an extremely powerful vasoconstrictor. Angiotensin II causes contraction of the arteriolar and renal VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE, leading to retention of salt and water in the KIDNEY and increased arterial blood pressure. In addition, angiotensin II stimulates the release of ALDOSTERONE from the ADRENAL CORTEX, which in turn also increases salt and water retention in the kidney. Angiotensin-converting enzyme also breaks down BRADYKININ, a powerful vasodilator and component of the KALLIKREIN-KININ SYSTEM.	Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System,Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System,Renin Angiotensin System,System, Renin-Angiotensin,System, Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone
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
D006439	Hemodynamics	The movement and the forces involved in the movement of the blood through the CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM.	Hemodynamic
D006470	Hemorrhage	Bleeding or escape of blood from a vessel.	Bleeding,Hemorrhages
D006706	Homeostasis	The processes whereby the internal environment of an organism tends to remain balanced and stable.	Autoregulation
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D016234	Kallikrein-Kinin System	A system of metabolic interactions by products produced in the distal nephron of the KIDNEY. These products include KALLIKREIN; KININS; KININASE I; KININASE II; and ENKEPHALINASE. This system participates in the control of renal functions. It interacts with the RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN-ALDOSTERONE SYSTEM to regulate BLOOD PRESSURE, generation of PROSTAGLANDINS, release of VASOPRESSINS, and WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE.	Kallikrein Kinin System,Kallikrein-Kinin Systems,Systems, Kallikrein-Kinin