N. Beseničar
Klinični oddelek za nefrologijo, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

N. Battelino
Klinični oddelek za otroško nefrologijo, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

G. Novljan
Klinični oddelek za nefrologijo, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Abstract

The burden of sodium and water homeostasis is normally placed on the kidneys, which must adapt their excretion of salt and water to balance intake. The physiological mechanisms by which this occurs are described. The coordination of the various factors that are involved in sodium and water homeostasis, including blood pressure, is explained. We focus on those physiological pathways in which vasoactive hormones are involved.

Key words: kidneys, vasoactive hormones, homeostasis, sodium, water, blood pressure.