ABSTRACT Glomerular hemodynamics affect the glomerular filtration rate. The results of morphological and functional studies suggest that changes in the activity of glomerular cells (endothelial and mesangial cells and podocytes) may affect local glomerular blood flow and consequently the filtration rate. This action may be mediated by extracellular nucleotides and their receptors, the P2 receptors. P2 receptor activation may result in both increases and decreases in local glomerular hemodynamics. These changes may periodically affect one another, forming a functional glomerular pump. The purinergic system (extracellular nucleotides, P2 receptors, and nucleotide-metabolizing ecto-enzymes) may play an important role in the homeostasis of glomerular hemodynamics.
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