title: Renal physiology series: Part 2 of 8. Glomerular filtration and renal hemodynamics.
abstract: The formation of urine is a process that begins with glomerular filtration and is greatly influenced by changes in renal hemodynamics. Selective filtration of the blood is possible because of the unique characteristics of the glomerulus and renal circulation. Many factors interact to maintain a consistent blood flow, allowing filtration and urine formation to continue despite systemic changes in blood pressure. Factors that impact on renal hemodynamics include the autoregulatory mechanism, the renin-angiotensin mechanism, eicosanoids, kinins, the sympathetic nervous system, catecholamines, antidiuretic hormone, dopamine, histamine, endothelin, endothelium-derived relaxing factor, and atrial natriuretic peptide. Knowledge of the effects of these factors will allow the nephrology nurse to predict, identify, and assist in the treatment of clinical conditions that can alter renal hemodynamics and glomerular filtration.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Holechek
mesh_terms: D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000503:physiopathology; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D016234:Kallikrein-Kinin System; D012079:Renal Circulation; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System