Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
06:30
Quantifying Acute Changes in Renal Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Response to Central Nervous System Manipulations in Anesthetized Rats
Published on: September 11, 2018
Pathophysiology I: the kidney and the sympathetic nervous system
Rosa L de Jager1, Peter J Blankestijn
1Department of Nephrology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Summary
Catheter-based renal denervation (RDN) offers a new treatment. This review explores renal nerve anatomy, function, and their role in sympathetic hyperactivity, evaluating RDN
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Sympathetic hyperactivity is implicated in various diseases.
- The kidneys and renal nerves play a crucial role in regulating sympathetic tone.
- Emerging evidence links renal nerve dysfunction to pathological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anatomy and function of renal nerves.
- To examine clinical evidence for renal nerve involvement in sympathetic hyperactivity.
- To discuss the potential of renal denervation (RDN) as a therapeutic strategy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on renal nerve anatomy and physiology.
- Analysis of clinical studies investigating the link between kidneys, renal nerves, and sympathetic overactivity.
- Evaluation of data on catheter-based renal denervation procedures and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of renal nerve pathways and their influence on cardiovascular and renal function.
- Clinical evidence supports the role of renal nerves in maintaining sympathetic hyperactivity.
- Catheter-based RDN demonstrates potential in modulating sympathetic activity.
Conclusions:
- Renal nerves are key players in sympathetic nervous system regulation.
- Dysfunctional renal nerves contribute to sympathetic hyperactivity and associated diseases.
- Renal denervation presents a promising interventional approach for managing sympathetic hyperactivity.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Blood and Nerve Supply to the Kidney
The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering and cleaning blood, removing waste products, and regulating electrolyte levels. To perform these essential functions, they require a constant and robust blood supply.
Bloody Supply to the Kidneys:
The kidneys receive their blood supply from the renal arteries, which branch off from the abdominal aorta—the main artery supplying the abdomen and lower body. The renal arteries enter the kidneys at the hilum, a notch on the medial side of each...
Bloody Supply to the Kidneys:
The kidneys receive their blood supply from the renal arteries, which branch off from the abdominal aorta—the main artery supplying the abdomen and lower body. The renal arteries enter the kidneys at the hilum, a notch on the medial side of each...
01:29Physiology of the Genitourinary System I: Renal Blood Flow and Glomerular Filtration
The kidneys are vital organs responsible for regulating blood filtration, waste excretion, and fluid balance, all of which are crucial for maintaining homeostasis. Renal physiology examines renal blood flow, glomerular filtration, and urine formation, ensuring the body’s internal environment remains stable.Renal Blood FlowThe kidneys receive about 20-25% of the cardiac output, typically around 1200 mL of blood per minute in an average adult. Blood flows into the kidneys through the renal...
01:29Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology
Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes are categorized into three primary categories based on the location of the injury: prerenal, intrarenal (or intrinsic), and postrenal causes. This classification guides clinical management and illustrates how different pathways can impair kidney function.Etiology and Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury1. Prerenal causesEtiology: Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury, the most common type, occurs when reduced blood flow to the kidneys decreases filtration capacity...
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...
01:29Hypertension 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,...
01:25The Sympathetic Nervous System
Overview