Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Duretics are a class of drugs which inhibit the reabsorption of water from the tubules and as a result they increase the volume and therefore water loss in the urine.  Each class of diuretic acts on a differant site to achieve this effect.  As a result some cause the excretion of sodium (and usually chlorine) along side the water where as others do not.  There are several diseases which cause the accumulation of fluid within the various tissues of the body and it is in these  cases where diuretics play a role in managing the condition.

Diuretics are a class of drugs which inhibit the reabsorption of water from the tubules and as a result they increase the volume and therefore water loss in the urine.  Each class of diuretic acts on a different site to achieve this effect.  As a result some cause the excretion of sodium (and usually chlorine) along side the water where as others do not.  There are several diseases which cause the accumulation of fluid within the various tissues of the body and it is in these  cases where diuretics play a role in managing the condition.

==Differant Groups of Diuretics==

==Different Groups of Diuretics==

Most diuretics act from within the tubules of the kidney.

Most diuretics act from within the tubules of the kidney.

===Loop Diuretics===  

===Loop Diuretics===  

Loop diuretics as the name suggests work on the loop of henle.  Specifically on the [[Loop Of Henle - Anatomy & Physiology#Thick ascending limb|thick ascending limb]] where they inhibit the activity of the sodium/potassium/2-chloride symporter.  As a result the hypertonicity of the medulla decreases and therefore water unptake from the loop of henle also decreases.  Increased amounts of all three ions are lost as a result.   

Loop diuretics as the name suggests work on the loop of henle.  Specifically on the [[Loop Of Henle - Anatomy & Physiology#Thick ascending limb|thick ascending limb]] where they inhibit the activity of the sodium/potassium/2-chloride symporter.  As a result the hypertonicity of the medulla decreases and therefore water uptake from the loop of henle also decreases.  Increased amounts of all three ions are lost as a result.   

As well as reducing the reuptake of water they also increase renal blood flow via [[The Effects of Nitrous Oxide and Prostaglandins on GFR#Prostaglandins|prostaglandin mediated vasodilation]].  This increases filtration to help lessen fluid retention.

As well as reducing the reuptake of water they also increase renal blood flow via [[The Effects of Nitrous Oxide and Prostaglandins on GFR#Prostaglandins|prostaglandin mediated vasodilation]].  This increases filtration to help lessen fluid retention.