Regulating blood

The classic experiments of Von Meting and Minkowski in 1889 first impHcated the pancreas in regulating blood glucose levels removal of a dog s pancreas led directly to the development of hyperglycemia. Then in the early 1920s it was shown that an internal secretion of the pancreas could be isolated... 

Potassium [7440-09-7] K, is the third, element ia the aLkaU metal series. The name designation for the element is derived from potash, a potassium mineral the symbol from the German name kalium, which comes from the Arabic qili, a plant. The ashes of these plants al qili) were the historical source of potash for preparing fertilisers (qv) or gun powder. Potassium ions, essential to plants and animals, play a key role in carbohydrate metaboHsm in plants. In animals, potassium ions promote glycolysis, Hpolysis, tissue respiration, and the synthesis of proteins (qv) and acetylcholine. Potassium ions are also beheved to function in regulating blood pressure. 

Mineralocorticoids. Aldosterone [6251-69-0] (32), the most potent natural rnineralocorticoid, also possesses a A -3-one group, an oxygen substituent at Clip, and a C17P-2-hydroxyethan-l-one side chain. In addition, the C18 of aldosterone is oxidized to an aldehyde. Mineralocorticoids, particularly aldosterone, act to retain sodium and to prevent the retention of excess potassium. Antimineral ocorticoids have been used therapeutically as diuretics and as agents that regulate blood pressure (63—65). 

Cardiovascular-peripheral vasodilation,decreased peripheral resistance, inhibition of baroreceptors (pressure receptors located in the aortic arch and carotid sinus that regulate blood pressure), orthostatic hypotension and fainting... 

Glucokinase Is Important in Regulating Blood Glucose After a Meal... 

In addition to the direct effects of hyperglycemia in enhancing the uptake of glucose into the liver, the hormone insulin plays a central role in regulating blood glucose. It is produced by the B cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas in response to hyperglycemia. The B islet cells are freely permeable to glu-... 

Anti-inflammatory effect (Akihisa et al., 1997). Regulates blood pressure (Ichiro et al., 2002). 

Rice bran is the richest natural source of B-complex vitamins. Considerable amounts of thiamin (Bl), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5) and pyridoxin (B6) are available in rice bran (Table 17.1). Thiamin (Bl) is central to carbohydrate metabolism and kreb s cycle function. Niacin (B3) also plays a key role in carbohydrate metabolism for the synthesis of GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor). As a pre-cursor to NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-oxidized form), it is an important metabolite concerned with intracellular energy production. It prevents the depletion of NAD in the pancreatic beta cells. It also promotes healthy cholesterol levels not only by decreasing LDL-C but also by improving HDL-C. It is the safest nutritional approach to normalizing cholesterol levels. Pyridoxine (B6) helps to regulate blood glucose levels, prevents peripheral neuropathy in diabetics and improves the immune function. 

Sodium chloride is a white, crystalline substance held together by the electrostatic forces between its two constituents, sodium ions and chloride ions. Salt is essential for human life. An average person has almost a quarter pound of it distributed throughout his or her body. Many of the sodium ions are found in the blood, where, among other things, they regulate blood pressure. Because salt is lost in sweat and urine, a normal diet requires us to consume it regularly. 

The heart is located underneath the sternum and between the lungs. In most adults, it weighs between 250 and 350 grams (0.55-0.77 lb). Its major role is to provide oxygen-rich blood to all organs and areas of the body. As a secondary function, the heart secretes atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), a hormone that regulates blood pressure and volume status. The inability of the heart to pump enough blood to maintain normal body requirements is known as heart failure. Refer to Chapter 3 for more information on heart failure. 

Aldosterone A hormone produced in and secreted by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone acts on the kidneys to reabsorb sodium and excrete potassium. It is also a part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which regulates blood pressure and blood volume. 

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) The hormonal system controlled mainly by the kidneys and adrenal glands that regulates blood pressure, blood volume, and electrolyte balance. 

Prostaglandins play critical roles in a number of physiological processes. These molecules regulate blood flow to organs, stimulate secretion of protective mucosal linings in the gastrointestinal tract, participate in the initiation of platelet aggrega-... 

Eliminates waste products from the body regulates blood volume and blood pressure regulates acid-base balance (pH)... 

All of the organ systems in the body, except the reproductive system, contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis (see Table 1.1). For example, the gastrointestinal tract digests foods to provide nutrients to the body. The respiratory system obtains oxygen and eliminates carbon dioxide. The circulatory system transports all of these materials and others from one part of the body to another. The renal system eliminates wastes and plays a role in regulating blood volume and blood pressure. 

The generally accepted equation describing the hemodynamic factors regulating blood pressure may be expressed In the form BP = CO x TPR where BP Is the mean arterial pressure, CO the cardiac output, and TPR the total peripheral resistance. Using this simplified equation, it may be concluded that high blood pressure may result from a high cardiac output, a high total peripheral resistance, or a combination of the two. 

P cells of the pancreatic islets in combination with atoms of zinc, but when required to regulate blood glucose concentration, the prohormone is cleaved and functional insulin is released into the circulation along with the C-peptide. This example of post-translational processing is mediated by peptidases which are contained in the vesicles along with the proinsulin. The fusion of the secretory vesicles with the cell membrane and activation of the peptidase prior to exocytosis of the insulin are prompted by an influx of calcium ions into the P-cell in response to the appropriate stimulus. Similarly, catecholamines are synthesized and held within the cell by attachment to proteins called chromogranins. 

A. Enomoto, H. Kimura, A. Chairoungdua, Y. Shigeta, P. Jutabha, S. H. Cha, M. Hosoyamada, M. Takeda, T. Sekine, T. Igarashi, H. Matsuo, Y. Kikuchi, T. Oda, K. Ichida, T. Hosoya, K. Shimokata, T. Niwa, Y. Kanai, and H. Endou. Molecular identification of a renal urate anion exchanger that regulates blood urate levels. Nature 417 447-452 (2002). 

The eicosanoids have a broad spectrum of physiological activities and these are elicited at very low concentrations, 10 M or less. They mediate the inflammatory response, produce pain and fever, regulate blood pressure, initiate blood clotting, induce labor, and regulate the sleep/wake cycle. 

The major function of kidneys is to filter the redundant nutrients and metabolites out of the blood, including those that come from the natural breakdown of tissues as well as those that we ingest with food intake. In this way, the kidneys maintain the homeostatic balance with respect to water and electrolytes as well as nutrients and metabolites. In addition, the actions of the kidneys also regulate blood pressure and erythropoiesis. 

The liver and kidney are the main organs involved in regulating blood glucose, both directly in response to blood glucose rise and fall as well as in response to hormones. 

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