The kidney is innervated with efferent sympathetic nerve fibers reaching the renal vasculature, the tubules, the juxtaglomerular granular cells, and the renal pelvic wall. The renal sensory nerves are mainly found in the renal pelvic wall. Increases in efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity reduce renal blood flow and urinary sodium excretion by activation of α1-adrenoceptors and increase renin secretion rate by activation of β1-adrenoceptors. In response to normal physiological stimulation, changes in efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity contribute importantly to homeostatic regulation of sodium and water balance. The renal mechanosensory nerves are activated by stretch of the renal pelvic tissue produced by increases in renal pelvic tissue of a magnitude that may occur during increased urine flow rate. Activation of the sensory nerves elicits an inhibitory renorenal reflex response consisting of decreases in efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity leading to natriuresis. Increasing efferent sympathetic nerve activity increases afferent renal nerve activity which, in turn, decreases efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity by activation of the renorenal reflexes. Thus, activation of the afferent renal nerves buffers changes in efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity in the overall goal of maintaining sodium balance. In pathological conditions of sodium retention, impairment of the inhibitory renorenal reflexes contributes to an inappropriately increased efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity in the presence of sodium retention. In states of renal disease or injury, there is a shift from inhibitory to excitatory reflexes originating in the kidney. Studies in essential hypertensive patients have shown that renal denervation results in long-term reduction in arterial pressure, suggesting an important role for the efferent and afferent renal nerves in hypertension. Table of Contents: Part I: Efferent Renal Sympathetic Nerves / Introduction / Neuroanatomy / Neural Control of Renal Hemodynamics / Neural Control of Renal Tubular Function / Neural Control of Renin Secretion Rate / Part II: Afferent Renal Sensory Nerves / Introduction / Neuroanatomy / Renorenal Reflexes / Mechanisms Involved in the Activation of Afferent Renal Sensory Nerves / Part III: Pathophysiological States / Efferent Renal Sympathetic Nerves / Afferent Renal Sensory Nerves / Conclusions / References

The Textbook of Nephro-Endocrinology is the definitive translational reference in the field of nephro-endocrinology, investigating both the endocrine functions of the kidneys and how the kidney acts as a target for hormones from other organ systems. It offers researchers and clinicians expert, gold-standard analyses of nephro-endocrine research and translation into the treatment of diseases such as anemia, chronic kidney disease (CKD), rickets, osteoporosis, and, hypoparathyroidism. - Investigates both the endocrine functions of the kidneys and how the kidney acts as a target for hormones from other organ systems - Presents a uniquely comprehensive and cross-disciplinary look at all aspects of nephro-endocrine disorders in one reference work - Clear translational presentations by the top endocrinologists and nephrologists in each specific hormone or functional/systems field

There are physiological bases for associations of the heart with emotions, and with the apparently universal increased mortality in winter. Thirteen contributions integrate expertise in cardiology and neuroscience in overviewing the latest knowledge about head-heart interactions. The first five chapters explain autonomic control of cardiovascular functions, the neural supply of the heart, and neuropathology. Part II examines the effects of stress on the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal system and the heart. Part III treats the neurobiology and neuroimaging of cardiac pain. Next, humoral factors in cardiovascular regulation and as mediators of inflammation in coronary artery disease are considered. Finally, the relationship between heart disease and cognitive/neuropsychiatric disorders is discussed. Includes photomicrographs, schematic drawings, and nice large print.

A timely symposium entitled Body-Fluid Homeostasis: Transduction and Integration was held at Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil in 2011. This meeting was convened as an official satellite of a joint gathering of the International Society for Autonomic Neuroscience (ISAN) and the American Autonomic Society (AAS) held in Buzios, Rio de Janeiro. Broad international participation at this event generated stimulating discussion among the invited speakers, leading to the publication of Neurobiology of Body Fluid Homeostasis: Transduction and Integration. Drawn from the proceedings and filled with rich examples of integrative neurobiology and regulatory physiology, this volume: Provides updated research using human and animal models for the control of bodily fluids, thirst, and salt appetite Explores neural and endocrine control of body fluid balance, arterial pressure, thermoregulation, and ingestive behavior Discusses recent developments in molecular genetics, cell biology, and behavioral plasticity Reviews key aspects of brain serotonin and steroid and peptide control of fluid consumption and arterial pressure The book highlights research conducted by leading scientists on signal transduction and sensory afferent mechanisms, molecular genetics, perinatal and adult long-term influences on regulation, central neural integrative circuitry, and autonomic/neuroendocrine effector systems. The findings discussed by the learned contributors are relevant for a basic understanding of disorders such as heat injury, hypertension, and excess salt intake. A unique reference on the neurobiology of body fluid homeostasis, this volume is certain to fuel additional research and stimulate further debate on the topic.

The Protective Arm of the Renin Angiotensin System: Functional Aspects and Therapeutic Implications is the first comprehensive publication to signal the protective role of a distinct part of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), providing readers with early insight into a complex system which will become of major medical importance in the near future. Focusing on recent research, The Protective Arm of the Renin Angiotensin System presents a host of new experimental studies on specific components of the RAS, namely angiotensin AT2 receptors (AT2R), the angiotensin (1–7) peptide with its receptor Mas, and the enzyme ACE 2, which exert significant beneficial, health-promoting actions by counterbalancing the well-known harmful arm of the RAS with its classical angiotensin AT1 receptor. This innovative concept of the protective arm of the RAS, examined in this reference, represents an indispensable background and will be a strong support for biomedical students, researchers, cardiologists, surgeons, nephrologists, diabetologists, and endocrinologists, as well as any other physician or researcher concerned with RAS physiology, pathophysiology and clinical implications. - Provides a complete understanding of the protective side of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) involving angiotensin AT2 receptor, ACE2, and Ang(1-7)/Mas receptor - Combines the knowledge of editors who pioneered research on the protective renin angiotensin system including; Dr. Thomas Unger, one of the founders of AT2 receptor research; Dr. Ulrike M. Steckelings, who contributed significantly to first preclinical studies with a novel specific AT2-agonist, and Dr. Robson Santos who pioneered research on angiotensin-(1-7) and its receptor Mas. - Shows that the protective RAS axes are able to ameliorate the course of several cardiovascular, renal, metabolic and neurological diseases - Provides the basis for the understanding of a novel therapeutic approach to stimulate components of the protective arm of the RAS.

Cellular and Molecular Biology of the Renin-Angiotensin System provides the first review and update of the state-of-the-art cellular and molecular aspects of the renin-angiotensin system. The book presents detailed analyses from world experts on each component of this system, including future directions. Topics range from angiotensin II receptor subtypes to processing of renin to the use of transgenic animal models for studying the role of this system in hypertension. Cellular and Molecular Biology of the Renin-Angiotensin System is essential reading for physiologists of the renin-angiotensin system, endocrinologists, cardiovascular specialists, renal physiologists, and neurobiologists.

This volume covers prevention and treatment options for both primary and secondary ischemic stroke; offers practical, scientific guidance on all aspects of patient care, including critical care management and rehabilitation; provides author recommendations where clinical answers are not yet clear; and discusses topics such as diagnostic evaluation of TIA and ischemic stroke, large vessel atherosclerosis, small vessel occlusive disease, ususual and cryptogenic etiologies of stroke, and emerging therapies.

The importance of the developmental approach for experimental and clinical cardiology is indisputable. Clinical-epidemiological studies have clearly shown that the risk factors of serious cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease, are already present during the early phases of ontogenetic development. Furthermore, congenital cardiovascular malformations remain the single largest cause of infant mortality from congenital defects in industrial countries. It is therefore not surprising that the interest of theoretical and clinical cardiologists in the developmental approach keeps increasing. Advances in molecular biology accelerated this trend substantially. This book is based on contributions presented at the international symposium The Developing Heart in Prague in May 2000. It is our contention that the biological, electrophysiological, morphological, functional, biochemical and functional approaches employed by distinguished scientists worldwide will provide the reader with a global picture for changes characterizing the developing heart. It should stimulate the curiosity of cardiovascular scientists in gaining insight into the mechanisms of normal and pathological development.

This book is an open access dissemination of the EU COST Action ADMIRE in Aldosterone/Mineralocorticoid Receptor (MR) physiology and pathophysiology. Aldosterone is the major hormone regulating blood pressure. Alterations in blood levels of aldosterone and genetic mutations in the MR receptor are major causes of hypertension and comorbidities. Many of the drugs in clinical use, and in development for treating hypertension, target aldosterone and MR actions in the kidney and cardiovascular system. The ADMIRE book assembles review chapters from 16 European ADMIRE laboratories providing the latest insights into mechanisms of aldosterone synthesis/secretion, aldosterone/MR physiology and signaling, and the pathophysiological roles of aldosterone/MR activation.