What hormone is produced by the kidneys to regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance?

The hormone produced by the kidneys to regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance is renin. Renin plays a crucial role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which is essential for maintaining blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.

When blood pressure drops, the kidneys release renin into the bloodstream. Renin then acts on a protein called angiotensinogen, converting it into angiotensin I. This conversion is a critical step that eventually leads to the formation of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, which increases blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels. Additionally, angiotensin II stimulates the secretion of aldosterone from the adrenal glands, prompting the kidneys to retain sodium and water, further aiding in blood pressure regulation.

Understanding the role of renin highlights its importance not just in blood pressure regulation but also in ensuring proper electrolyte balance, essential for various physiological processes in the body.