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Minerals in dialysis therapy: an introduction
Lawrence S Weisberg1, Ron Zanger
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, New Jersey 08103, USA. Weisberg-Larry@CooperHealth.edu
Seminars in Dialysis
|December 24, 2010
Summary
The kidneys are vital organs that reabsorb 95% of filtered sodium chloride and over 99% of glucose and bicarbonate. Their function is crucial for maintaining blood composition and overall survival.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The kidneys filter 180 liters of fluid daily, containing essential substances like sodium chloride, bicarbonate, and glucose.
- A significant portion of these filtered substances are reabsorbed by the renal tubules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of kidney tubules in reabsorbing essential solutes.
- To emphasize the kidneys' function in regulating the internal environment and blood composition.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of filtered and reabsorbed substances in glomerular filtrate.
- Quantification of reabsorption rates for key electrolytes and organic molecules.
Main Results:
- 95% of filtered sodium chloride (1100 g) is reabsorbed.
- Over 99% of filtered sodium bicarbonate (425 g) and glucose (145 g) are reabsorbed.
- Substantial reabsorption of potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, sulfate, amino acids, and vitamins occurs.
Conclusions:
- The kidneys act as master chemists, regulating blood composition through extensive reabsorption.
- Kidney function is indispensable for survival, unlike other organs with specialized physiological roles.
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