Electrophysiology of afferent renal nerves.

The electrophysiological characteristics of afferent renal nerves (renal mechanoreceptors [MR] and renal chemoreceptors [CR]) are discussed with reference to the literature on this subject published in the last 25 years. Recent information gained from histochemical and electrophysiological studies is provided in a description of the central projections of these nerves. The electrophysiology of renal MR is discussed in the context of their location within the kidney and the mechanical stimuli that lead to their excitation. Arterial, venous, tissue, and ureteral locations are considered. The special characteristics of renal CR are described and the stimuli responsible for their activation are discussed.