4.7.3

Kidneys & Blood Pressure

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Kidneys & Blood Pressure

The kidneys also have a role in maintaining blood pressure. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) largely controls this.

Aldosterone

Aldosterone

  • Another hormone responsible for maintaining electrolyte concentrations in extracellular fluids is aldosterone.
  • Aldosterone is a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal cortex.
  • Aldosterone maintains proper water balance by enhancing Na+ reabsorption and K+ secretion from the extracellular fluid of the cells in kidney tubules.
    • This contrasts ADH, which promotes the reabsorption of water to maintain proper water balance
Aldosterone release

Aldosterone release

  • Aldosterone release is stimulated by:
    • Decrease in blood sodium levels.
    • Decrease in blood volume.
    • Decrease in blood pressure.
    • Increase in blood potassium levels.
  • It also prevents the loss of Na+ from sweat, saliva, and gastric juice.
  • The reabsorption of Na+ also results in the osmotic reabsorption of water, which alters blood volume and blood pressure.
RAAS

RAAS

  • Aldosterone production can be stimulated by low blood pressure, which triggers a sequence of chemical release.
  • When blood pressure drops, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is activated.
  • Cells in the juxtaglomerular apparatus detect this and release renin.
    • The juxtaglomerular apparatus is next to the glomerulus & regulates the functions of the nephrons of the kidney.
  • Renin, an enzyme, circulates in the blood and reacts with a plasma protein produced by the liver called angiotensinogen.
RAAS - 2

RAAS - 2

  • When angiotensinogen is cleaved by renin, it produces angiotensin I.
  • Angiotensin I is then converted into angiotensin II in the lungs.
  • Angiotensin II functions as a hormone and then causes the release of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal cortex.
    • This results in increased Na+ reabsorption, water retention, and an increase in blood pressure.
  • Angiotensin II also causes an increase in ADH and increased thirst, both of which help to raise blood pressure.
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