Central regulation of body fluid homeostasis.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2022;
98:283-324. [PMID:
35908954 PMCID:
PMC9363595 DOI:
10.2183/pjab.98.016]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular fluids, including blood, lymphatic fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid, are collectively called body fluids. The Na+ concentration ([Na+]) in body fluids is maintained at 135-145 mM and is broadly conserved among terrestrial animals. Homeostatic osmoregulation by Na+ is vital for life because severe hyper- or hypotonicity elicits irreversible organ damage and lethal neurological trauma. To achieve "body fluid homeostasis" or "Na homeostasis", the brain continuously monitors [Na+] in body fluids and controls water/salt intake and water/salt excretion by the kidneys. These physiological functions are primarily regulated based on information on [Na+] and relevant circulating hormones, such as angiotensin II, aldosterone, and vasopressin. In this review, we discuss sensing mechanisms for [Na+] and hormones in the brain that control water/salt intake behaviors, together with the responsible sensors (receptors) and relevant neural pathways. We also describe mechanisms in the brain by which [Na+] increases in body fluids activate the sympathetic neural activity leading to hypertension.
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