Glormerular Filtration Barrier Flashcards
What are the 3 layers of the glomerular filtration barrier
1) Glomerular capillary endothelial cell layer
2) Basement membrane
3) Podocytes
Why is the glomerular capillary endothelial cell layer more permeable to water compared to other capillaries?
They have larger fenestrations
What characteristics of the basement membrane of the GFB allow it to prevent filtration of plasma proteins
It consists of collagen and glycoproteins. The glycoproteins are positively charged and prevent filtration of plasma proteins
What is the function of collagen in the GFB Basement membrane
To provide structural strength
What do podocytes in the GFB do
Encircle glomerular capillaries with foot-like processes that are a part of the 3 layered sieve
How does Increased solute size affect the GFB filterability
It decreases filterability
How do positive charges affect GFB filterability
Increases filterability
How does smaller solute size affect GFB filterability
Increases filterability
How do negative charges affect GFB filterability
Decreases filterability
Why shouldn’t we see albumin in urine
Even though the molecule is small, its negatively charged and can’t be filtered through the GFB.
(Glycoprotein layer in the basement membrane is positively charged)
What is nephrotic syndrome
High levels of protein/albumin in the urine caused by increased permeability of the glomerular capillaries to proteins
What ailment is caused by albumin levels falling below a critical level and decrease in oncotic pressure
Edema
What is glomerulonephritis
Inflammation of the glomerulus
What two abnormalities are present in the urine when an animal has glomerulonephritis
Hematuria and proteinuria
(Proteinuria is less severe compared to nephrotic syndrome)
Define glomerular capillary blood pressure
Pressure exerted by blood within the glomerular capillaries
