Kidney Endocrine Function - Anatomy & Physiology
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Overview
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. |
Renin
A proteolytic enzyme synthesised in the kidney. Renin affects blood pressure indirectly and is 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.