Macula Densa Derived Nitric Oxide and Kidney Function
The kidney is the major organ regulating the extracellular fluid volume and thereby the arterial blood pressure. The neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the kidney is predominantly located in the macula densa cells. These cells are sensors for both renin release and the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism (TGF), which is an important regulator of the glomerular filtration rate and afferent arteriole tone.