Question
Explain the autoregulatory mechanism of GFR.
Solution
The kidney regulates the glomerular filtration rate by an autoregulative mechanism carried out by the juxtaglomerular apparatus.
The Juxtaglomerular apparatus is a special sensitive microscopic structure formed by cellular modifications in the distal convoluted tubule and the afferent arteriole at the location of their contact.
When there is a fall in the glomerular filtration rate, it activates the juxtaglomerular cells to release renin. This stimulates the glomerular blood flow, thereby bringing the GFR back to normal. Renin brings the GFR back to normal by the activation of the renin-angiotensin mechanism
