Question

(ii) Some diuretics used in medicine inhibits the reabsorption of chloride ions in the Loop of Henle. Explain how this would lead to an increase in urine production.

[ 2 marks]

Answer 1

Loop diuretics inhibit the Na/K/2Cl transporter in the thick ascending loop of Henle this results into decreased water reabsorption into blood. There are two reasons causing it:

1)Loop diuretics stimulate the release of renin, which increases glomerular filtration rate (GFR) leading to an increased amount of primary urine;

2)Because of increased amount of electrolytes in the primary urine, reabsorption of water in the Loop of Henle is decreased, leading to higher volume of the secondary urine.