What are the 4 auto regulatory mechanisms of the kidney?

Answer 1

The four main autoregulatory mechanisms of the kidney are:

1. Myogenic response: This involves the contraction or relaxation of smooth muscle in the afferent arterioles in response to changes in blood pressure, helping maintain consistent glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
2. Tubuloglomerular feedback: This mechanism senses sodium chloride concentration in the distal tubule via the macula densa, adjusting afferent arteriole resistance to regulate GFR accordingly.
3. Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This hormonal system responds to low blood pressure or low sodium levels, promoting vasoconstriction and sodium retention to stabilize GFR.
4. Prostaglandins and nitric oxide: These vasodilatory factors are released in response to stressors, helping to counteract excessive vasoconstriction and maintain renal blood flow.