Kidney Endocrine Function - Anatomy & Physiology
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The Kidney synthesises and secretes various products, including hormones and enzymes which have a vital role within the body.
| Product | Action |
|---|---|
| Renin | This enzyme forms a vital part of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System, a complex system of hormones and enzymes which act to raise blood pressure when stimulated by hypotension.
Renin is the enzyme required for the creation of the hormone angiotensin. |
| Erythropoietin | Erythropoeitin is the vital hormone for Erythropoeisis, the production of red blood cells. |
| Calcitriol | Also known as Active Vitamin D3, or 1-25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3, Calcitriol is vital for Calcium Homeostasis, and acts to raise plasma calcium levels. Within the kidney, vitamin D from dietary sources or the skin is 'activated' by hydroxylation. |
Kidneys are responsible for the production and release of two hormones Erythropoietin and Renin. Both of these hormones are from the Juxtaglomerular Cells. It is also responsible for the regulation of the activation of vitamin D
Renin
- A proteolytic enzyme synthesised in the kidney
- Renin affects blood pressure indirectly
- Part of the first stage of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system
- Its effects are through its activation of this system by the conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin 1
Erythropoietin
Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein hormone produced in the kidneys in adult life. Its function is beyond the scope of this section and more information can be found here
Vitamin D
The activation of vitamin D is regulated by the kidneys under the influence of another hormone PTH