What enzyme is secreted by the juxtaglomerular apparatus?

The juxtaglomerular apparatus plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance within the body. It is located at the junction of the afferent arterioles and the distal convoluted tubule in the nephron. The primary function of this structure is to sense changes in blood pressure and sodium concentration, enabling it to respond accordingly.

The enzyme that is secreted by the juxtaglomerular apparatus is renin. Renin is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of angiotensinogen, produced by the liver, into angiotensin I, which is then converted into angiotensin II. Angiotensin II has several effects, including the constriction of blood vessels and stimulation of aldosterone release from the adrenal glands, both of which lead to an increase in blood pressure and sodium retention.

Urochrome is a pigment that gives urine its yellow color and is a waste product of hemoglobin breakdown, but it is not an enzyme and does not play a role in the functions of the juxtaglomerular apparatus.

Creatinine is a waste product produced from muscle metabolism and is primarily used as a marker for kidney function, but like urochrome, it is not secreted by the juxtagl