Glossary
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Antagonist
A drug that counteracts the effects of another drug. The pharmacological opposite to an agonist.
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Catabolism
The metabolic breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, often resulting in a release of energy
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Hyperglycaemia
An elevated blood glucose level, typically anything above 6mmol/L
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Hyperkalemia
Abnormally high concentration of potassium in the plasma, typically above 5mmol/L
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Hypertension
Any blood pressure that is above the normal expected for an individual in a given environment
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Hypokalemia
Abnormally low concentration of potassium in the plasma, typically below 3.5mmol/L
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Hyponatremia
Abnormally low levels of sodium in the blood, typically any concentration below 135 mmol/L
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Hypotension
Any blood pressure that is below the normal expected for an individual in a given environment
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Juxta Glomerular Cells
Part of the juxtaglomerular apparatus in the distal convuluted tubule of the kidney. They are composed of modified cells of the afferent and efferent arteiroles. The juxtaglomerular apparatus is responsible for renin secretion when blood pressure falls.
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RAA pathway
(Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone pathway)
A mechanism for controlling blood pressure, initiated by the secretion of renin by the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney in response to low blood pressure. It leads to the formation of Angiotensin II, which stimulates the secretion of Aldosterone
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