Podocyte

Podocyte

A Podocyte is a type of cell found in the kidney, specifically in the Bowman's capsule of the glomerulus. These cells play a crucial role in the body's ability to filter blood and create urine.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Podocytes are unique in their structure, featuring a large cell body with primary processes and secondary foot processes, or pedicels. These foot processes interdigitate with those of neighboring podocytes and are connected by a thin filtration slit diaphragm. This structure allows for the efficient filtration of blood.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of podocytes is to filter blood in the glomerulus, a network of small blood vessels in the kidney. They do this by forming a barrier that prevents the passage of large molecules, such as proteins, while allowing smaller molecules, such as water and salts, to pass through. This filtration process is essential for the production of urine.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Damage to podocytes can lead to a number of kidney diseases, including Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and Minimal change disease (MCD). These conditions can result in proteinuria, the presence of excess proteins in the urine, and can ultimately lead to kidney failure.

Research[edit | edit source]

Research into podocytes has increased our understanding of kidney function and disease. For example, studies have shown that podocytes can regenerate and repair themselves, which has implications for the treatment of kidney diseases. Furthermore, research is ongoing into the genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate podocyte function and health.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Podocyte Biology and Pathogenesis of Kidney Disease at the US National Library of Medicine
Podocyte-specific knockout of the adaptor protein CD2-associated protein promotes proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis in mice at Kidney International

Urinary system - Kidney - edit
Renal capsule \| Renal cortex \| Renal medulla (Renal sinus, Renal pyramids) \| Renal calyx \| Renal pelvis
Nephron - Renal corpuscle (Glomerulus, Bowman's capsule) → Proximal tubule → Loop of Henle → Distal convoluted tubule → Collecting ducts Juxtaglomerular apparatus (Macula densa, Juxtaglomerular cells) Renal circulation - Renal artery → Interlobar arteries → Arcuate arteries → Cortical radial arteries → Afferent arterioles → Glomerulus → Efferent arterioles → Vasa recta → Arcuate vein → Renal vein
Renal physiology
Filtration - Ultrafiltration \| Countercurrent exchange Hormones effecting filtration - Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) \| Aldosterone \| Atrial natriuretic peptide Endocrine - Renin \| Erythropoietin (EPO) \| Calcitriol (Active vitamin D) \| Prostaglandins
Assessing Renal function / Measures of Dialysis
Glomerular filtration rate \| Creatinine clearance \| Renal clearance ratio \| Urea reduction ratio \| Kt/V \| Standardized Kt/V \| Hemodialysis product

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