Question

Experiment: Renal Response to Altered Blood Pressure

Based on this experiment, what is the best combination of variable changes (i.e. afferent dilation, efferent dilation, etc.) to restore glomerular pressure, GFR, and urine volume as much as possible during times of low BP?

Answer 1

GFR (glomerular filtration rate) is directly proportional to the glomerular pressure gradient as well as urine volume.

Those with low blood pressure have a decreased GFR. Pressure changes in the afferent and efferent arterioles that go into and out of the glomerulus effect the GFR. Vasodilation in the afferent arteriole and vasoconstriction in the efferent arteriole will increase blood flow in the glomerulus that will lead to increase in glomerular pressure, GFR, and urine volume.