Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
07:25
Assessing Murine Resistance Artery Function Using Pressure Myography
Published on: June 7, 2013
Cyclooxygenases, the kidney, and hypertension
Hui-Fang Cheng1, Raymond C Harris
1Division of Nephrology, S 3322 MCN, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-2372, USA.
Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)
|January 21, 2004
Summary
Selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, while avoiding NSAID side effects, can impact kidney function. COX-2 inhibition may affect renal blood flow and sodium excretion, particularly in volume-depleted states.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
Background:
- Selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors were developed to mitigate gastrointestinal and renal toxicity associated with conventional NSAIDs.
- COX-2 is constitutively expressed in the kidney and plays a role in regulating renal blood flow, renin release, and sodium excretion.
- Renal COX-2 activity is sensitive to intravascular volume status and can be altered in conditions of renal hypoperfusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological roles of COX-2 in the kidney.
- To understand the effects of selective COX-2 inhibition on renal function.
- To evaluate the impact of COX-2 inhibition in experimental models of renal injury.
Main Methods:
- Review of the physiological regulation of COX-2 in the kidney.
- Analysis of the effects of COX-2 inhibition on urine sodium excretion and blood pressure.
- Examination of experimental models with altered renal hemodynamics and progressive renal injury.
Main Results:
- COX-2 inhibition may lead to transient decreases in urine sodium excretion and mild to moderate blood pressure elevation.
- Interference with COX-2 activity can negatively affect renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate in volume-depleted states.
- Increased renal COX-2 expression is observed in experimental models of renal injury, and selective COX-2 inhibitors ameliorate damage.
Conclusions:
- Selective COX-2 inhibitors have significant implications for renal physiology and function.
- Caution is advised with COX-2 inhibitors in patients with compromised renal perfusion or volume depletion.
- Targeting COX-2 may offer therapeutic benefits for certain renal conditions characterized by altered hemodynamics and injury.
Related Concept Videos
01:33Hormonal Regulation
The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.
01:18Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
01:30Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a vital component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, is abundant in lung endothelial cells. ACE converts the inactive decapeptide, angiotensin I, into the active octapeptide, angiotensin II. This potent vasoconstrictor narrows blood vessels, increasing resistance to blood flow and elevating blood pressure. Angiotensin II also stimulates aldosterone production, encouraging kidney cells to reabsorb more sodium and water from urine, thereby increasing...
01:13Introduction to Urinary System
The urinary system consists of two kidneys, two ureters, the urinary bladder, and the urethra.
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the retroperitoneal space, on either side of the vertebral column, between the T12 and L3 vertebrae. They are partially protected by the rib cage and surrounded by perirenal fat, which provides cushioning. They are responsible for urine formation and play critical roles in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte levels, and hormone production. The ureters...
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the retroperitoneal space, on either side of the vertebral column, between the T12 and L3 vertebrae. They are partially protected by the rib cage and surrounded by perirenal fat, which provides cushioning. They are responsible for urine formation and play critical roles in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte levels, and hormone production. The ureters...
01:20Renal Corpuscle
The glomerulus and Bowman's capsule are two essential components of the nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney. These microscopic structures play a critical role in the process of blood filtration to produce urine.
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
01:29Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...