15 – Non-nephron roles of the kidneys

Question 1

What are some non-nephron roles of the kidney?

Answer 1

-regulation of arterial pressure
-regulation of active Vit D production
-gluconeogenesis
-regulation of erythrocyte production

Question 2

Regulation of arterial pressure:

Answer 2

-long-term regulation by excretion of Na and water
-short term regulation by secretion of hormone and vasoactive substances (ex. renin-Ang II)

Question 3

Regulation of active Vit D production:

Answer 3

-kidneys convert Vit D to its active form (calcitriol)
>calcitriol is involved in Ca deposition in bones and calcium absorption by GIT

Question 4

Renal participation in gluconeogenesis:

Answer 4

-during prolonged fasting, kidneys can produce glucose from AA and other precursors

Question 5

Renal regulation of erythrocyte production:

Answer 5

-produce erythropoietin
>involved in production of RBC by hematopoietic stem cells (bone marrow)
>*hypoxia stimulates it
-anemia can be a consequence of renal failure