Nitric oxide in the kidney : its physiological role and pathophysiological implications

• Published in: Electrolyte & blood pressure : E & BP Vol. 6; no. 1; pp. 27 - 34
• Main Author: Lee, Jongun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) The Korean Society of Electrolyte and Blood Pressure Research 01.06.2008; 전해질고혈압연구회
• Subjects: Review; 의약학; natriuresis; chronic kidney disease; nitric oxide; acute kidney injury; diuresis; hypertension
• ISSN: 1738-5997; 2092-9935
• DOI: 10.5049/ebp.2008.6.1.27

Nitric oxide has been implicated in many physiologic processes that influence both acute and long-term control of kidney function. Its net effect in the kidney is to promote natriuresis and diuresis, contributing to adaptation to variations of dietary salt intake and maintenance of normal blood pressure. A pretreatment with nitric oxide donors or L-arginine may prevent the ischemic acute renal injury. In chronic kidney diseases, the systolic blood pressure is correlated with the plasma level of asymmetric dimethylarginine, an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. A reduced production and biological action of nitric oxide is associated with an elevation of arterial pressure, and conversely, an exaggerated activity may represent a compensatory mechanism to mitigate the hypertension.