SECTION Review

The major hormones regulating body fluids are ADH, aldosterone and ANH. Progesterone is similar in structure to aldosterone and can bind to and weakly stimulate aldosterone receptors, providing a similar but diminished response. Blood pressure is a reflection of blood volume and is monitored by baroreceptors in the aortic arch and carotid sinuses. When blood pressure increases, more action potentials are sent to the central nervous system, resulting in greater vasodilation, greater GFR, and more water lost in the urine. ANH is released by the cardiomyocytes when blood pressure increases, causing Na⁺ and water loss. ADH at high levels causes vasoconstriction in addition to its action on the collecting ducts to recover more water. Diuretics increase urine volume. Mechanisms for controlling Na⁺ concentration in the blood include the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and ADH. When Na⁺ is retained, K⁺ is excreted; when Na⁺ is lost, K⁺ is retained. When circulating Ca⁺⁺ decreases, PTH stimulates the reabsorption of Ca⁺⁺ and inhibits reabsorption of HPO42−. pH is regulated through buffers, expiration of CO₂, and excretion of acid or base by the kidneys. The breakdown of amino acids produces ammonia. Most ammonia is converted into less-toxic urea in the liver and excreted in the urine. Regulation of drugs is by glomerular filtration, tubular secretion, and tubular reabsorption.

Glossary

diuretic

compound that increases urine output, leading to decreased water conservation

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