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Macula Densa Sensing and Signaling Mechanisms of Renin Release

2010; American Society of Nephrology; Volume: 21; Issue: 7 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1681/asn.2009070759

1533-3450

János Peti‐Peterdi, Raymond C. Harris,

Ion Transport and Channel Regulation

Macula densa cells in the distal nephron, according to the classic paradigm, are salt sensors that generate paracrine chemical signals in the juxtaglomerular apparatus to control vital kidney functions, including renal blood flow, glomerular filtration, and renin release. Renin is the rate-limiting step in the activation of the renin-angiotensin system, a key modulator of body fluid homeostasis. Here, we discuss recent advances in understanding macula densa sensing and suggest these cells, in addition to salt, also sense various chemical and metabolic signals in the tubular environment that directly trigger renin release.