Explain how does the drug Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) work from a biological point of view?
HCTZ is a drug used to treat high blood pressure and edema.
HCTZ inhibits Na+/cl- co-transport in DCT (distal convoluted tubule) of nephrones in kidney. Function of the sodium chloride co transport is sodium reabsorption from DCT back to interstitial fluid. When the sodium reabsorption decrease by HCTZ, the fluid loss through urine increases whereas volume of extra cellular fluid or plasma declines. This lead to reduced blood volume thus reduced cardiac output thereby decreases blood pressure. when volume of blood transported decreases pressure exerted by blood to the wall of blood vessels which is called blood pressure also decreases
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