Biomaterial Database

Effects of antihypertensive drugs on various aspects of renal function. 1997

P W de Leeuw, and W H Birkenhäger

Department of Medicine, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands.

This paper reviews the effects of antihypertensive drugs on various aspects of renal function such as renal hemodynamics, sodium excretion and microalbuminuria. The discussion also includes the renin-angiotensin system. It is concluded that most agents reduce renal vascular resistance, at least in patients who respond with a drop in blood pressure. Microalbuminuria usually also falls, although this effect may be variable. Changes in renin and sodium excretion depend upon the type of drug used. With the present state of knowledge, it is not possible to define which type of treatment is most beneficial for the kidney in the long term.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007668	Kidney	Body organ that filters blood for the secretion of URINE and that regulates ion concentrations.	Kidneys
D009318	Natriuresis	Sodium excretion by URINATION.	Natriureses
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
D006439	Hemodynamics	The movement and the forces involved in the movement of the blood through the CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM.	Hemodynamic
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000419	Albuminuria	The presence of albumin in the urine, an indicator of KIDNEY DISEASES.	Albuminurias
D000959	Antihypertensive Agents	Drugs used in the treatment of acute or chronic vascular HYPERTENSION regardless of pharmacological mechanism. Among the antihypertensive agents are DIURETICS; (especially DIURETICS, THIAZIDE); ADRENERGIC BETA-ANTAGONISTS; ADRENERGIC ALPHA-ANTAGONISTS; ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITORS; CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS; GANGLIONIC BLOCKERS; and VASODILATOR AGENTS.	Anti-Hypertensive,Anti-Hypertensive Agent,Anti-Hypertensive Drug,Antihypertensive,Antihypertensive Agent,Antihypertensive Drug,Anti-Hypertensive Agents,Anti-Hypertensive Drugs,Anti-Hypertensives,Antihypertensive Drugs,Antihypertensives,Agent, Anti-Hypertensive,Agent, Antihypertensive,Agents, Anti-Hypertensive,Agents, Antihypertensive,Anti Hypertensive,Anti Hypertensive Agent,Anti Hypertensive Agents,Anti Hypertensive Drug,Anti Hypertensive Drugs,Anti Hypertensives,Drug, Anti-Hypertensive,Drug, Antihypertensive,Drugs, Anti-Hypertensive,Drugs, Antihypertensive