Table 1.

The integrated renal effects of glucocorticoids. The effects of glucocorticoids on renal haemodynamics and tubular transport function can oppose one another. This is discussed further in the main text

The effects of glucocorticoids on integrated renal function haemodynamic

↑ renal blood flow

variable effect on renal vascular resistance

↑ filtration fraction

↑ glomerular filtration rate

water and electrolyte metabolism

diuresis

natriuresis or antinatriuresis – see main text

plasma volume contraction (or sometimes volume expansion – see main text)

kaliuresis

↑ renal acid excretion and metabolic alkalosis

phosphaturia

↑ amino acid transport

↑ sulphate transport

intermediate metabolism within the kidney

luconeogenesis

ammoniagenesis