Renal Toxicology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to renal toxicology, highlighting important structures, functions, and responses of the kidneys to toxic injury.

Renal Toxicology

The study of the harmful effects of substances on the kidneys.

Glomerulus

A specialized capillary bed that filters blood into a protein-free ultrafiltrate.

Proximal Tubule

The part of the nephron where 60-80% of solute and water is reabsorbed.

Loop of Henle

A segment of the nephron responsible for reabsorbing sodium and chloride, and indirectly influencing water reabsorption.

Acute Kidney Injury

A sudden decline in glomerular filtration rate and kidney function.

Nephrotoxicants

Substances that cause damage to the kidneys.

Cadmium (Cd)

A heavy metal that accumulates in the body, primarily affecting the kidneys.

Tubular cell injury

Damage to the cells of the renal tubules which can cause acute kidney injury.

Metallothionein

Low molecular weight metal-binding proteins that perform detoxifying roles in response to metal exposure.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can cause renal vasoconstriction and impair kidney function.

Haptens

Small molecules that can elicit an immune response by binding to larger proteins, potentially causing glomerular injury.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

A test used to assess renal function by measuring the amount of nitrogen in the blood from urea.

Serum Creatinine

A waste product in the blood that indicates kidney function and is used to estimate glomerular filtration rate.

Macula Densa

A group of specialized cells in the kidney that senses sodium concentration and regulates glomerular filtration rate.

Proximal tubular injury

The most common site of toxicant-induced renal injury due to selective accumulation of xenobiotics.

OATs and OCTs

Organic anion transporters and organic cation transporters involved in renal secretion.

Hypercalciuria

Excess of calcium in the urine often related to renal tubular injury.

Ischemia

Reduced blood flow to tissues, which can lead to damage particularly in the renal papilla.

Urinalysis

A test that evaluates urine to assess renal function and detect damage.