Question

A possible consequence of staphylococcal infections is glomerulonephritis. Glomerulonephritis affects the filtration membrane by causing the basement membrane underlying the glomerular endothelium to lose its negative charge. The negative charge on the basement membrane is what prevents plasma proteins from entering the filtrate. Thus, with this condition, proteins can enter the urine (proteinuria). What effect will this have on the glomerular filtration rate

Answer 1

Proteins entering the filtrate due to the loss of negative charge on the basement membrane can decrease the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Step-by-step explanation:

When the basement membrane underlying the glomerular endothelium loses its negative charge, proteins can enter the filtrate and cause proteinuria. This condition is a consequence of staphylococcal infections. The loss of negative charge on the basement membrane reduces its ability to repel negatively charged substances, allowing proteins to pass through. An increased presence of proteins in the urine can decrease the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) because proteins can interfere with the flow of filtrate through the renal tubules.

Answer 2

Proteinuria is a general characteristic in different types of kidney and renal diseases where different types of proteins come in the filtrate. This causes a diminishing in the glomerular filtration rate due to the reason that proteins in the filtrate cause aggravation and scarring.

Step-by-step explanation:

The value of Glomerular Filtration Rate or GFR is given as

`GFR=K_f(P_c-P_b)-\pi_c`

Here

• K_f is the Permeability constant of glomerular capillaries
• P_c is the hydrostatic pressure of the glomerular capillary
• P_b is the hydrostatic pressure of the Bowman's space
• π_c is the oncotic pressure of the glomerular capillary

As the proteins start to occur in the filtrate, they reduce the
`P_c` and increase the value of
`P_b`. This leads to a reduced difference
`P_c-P_b`, which leads to reduced GFR as they are directly proportional.