Which of the following combination is true about hormone and its site of action in renal tubules?
**Question:** Which of the following combination is true about hormone and its site of action in renal tubules?
A. Aldosterone acts on distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct
B. Renin acts on juxtaglomerular cells in the afferent arteriole
C. Angiotensin II acts on macula densa cells in the distal convoluted tubule
D. Epinephrine acts on principal cells in the distal convoluted tubule
**Correct Answer:** .
**Core Concept:**
The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by filtering blood, reabsorbing essential substances, and excreting waste products. Hormones play a significant role in this process by regulating ion and fluid balance, blood pressure, and blood volume. The renal tubules, specifically the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) and collecting duct, are the primary sites of action for hormones involved in this process.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
1. Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex in response to low blood volume or low blood pressure. It acts on the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct to increase sodium reabsorption, thus increasing blood volume and blood pressure.
2. Renin is a protease enzyme produced by the juxtaglomerular cells in the afferent arteriole in response to low blood volume or high blood pressure. It activates the RAS (Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System) by cleaving angiotensinogen into angiotensin I, which is then converted into angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin II acts on macula densa cells in the distal convoluted tubule, increasing sodium reabsorption and consequently decreasing urine output.
3. Angiotensin II is involved in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which helps in maintaining blood volume, blood pressure, and electrolyte balance.
4. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress or low blood sugar. It acts on the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct, increasing sodium and water reabsorption, leading to vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure.
**Why Each Wrong Answer is Incorrect:**
1. Angiotensin II acts on macula densa cells in the distal convoluted tubule, increasing sodium reabsorption and decreasing urine output. This option is correct, as mentioned above, but it is not the correct hormone being discussed in this question.
2. Option C is incorrect because angiotensin II is involved in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which maintains electrolyte and blood volume balance, not blood pressure directly. Although angiotensin II contributes to blood pressure regulation, it is not the primary hormone responsible for blood pressure regulation.
3. Option D is incorrect since epinephrine primarily affects blood sugar levels and stress, not blood pressure directly.
**Clinical Pearls:**
- In medical practice, understanding the roles of hormones like al