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Stress-induced renal functional alterations in normotensives
J P Fauvel1, A Hadj-Aissa, M Laville
1Département de Néphrologie et d'Hypertension Artérielle, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Lyon, France.
American Journal of Hypertension
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Mental stress increases blood pressure and heart rate, leading to increased filtration fraction and proximal sodium reabsorption. This stress-induced sodium retention may contribute to hypertension development.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Psychophysiology
Background:
- Mental stress impacts cardiovascular function.
- Renal function plays a role in blood pressure regulation.
- Understanding stress effects on kidney function is crucial for hypertension research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate renal functional changes during mental stress.
- To assess the relationship between cardiovascular responses and renal hemodynamics under stress.
- To explore the impact of stress on sodium handling by the kidneys.
Main Methods:
- Measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF), filtration fraction (FF), and sodium excretion in 15 volunteers.
- Utilized inulin and PAH clearance for GFR and RPF, and lithium clearance for proximal sodium reabsorption.
- Employed a computerized Stroop word color conflict test to induce psychological stress.
Main Results:
- Mental stress significantly increased blood pressure and heart rate.
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) remained unchanged.
- Filtration fraction (FF) significantly increased, accompanied by a tendency for decreased sodium excretion due to enhanced proximal tubular reabsorption.
Conclusions:
- Mental stress alters renal hemodynamics, specifically increasing postglomerular arteriolar resistance.
- Increased proximal sodium reabsorption under stress may be mediated by altered peritubular Starling forces.
- Chronic stress-induced sodium retention could be a contributing factor to hypertension development.