JG cells

Renal corpuscle. Juxtaglomerular cells are #6.

The juxtaglomerular cells (JG cells, also known as granular cells) are cells in the kidney that synthesize, store, and secrete the enzyme renin. They are specialized smooth muscle cells in the wall of the afferent arteriole that delivers blood to the glomerulus. In synthesizing renin, they play a critical role in the renin-angiotensin system and thus in renal autoregulation, the self-governance of the kidney.

In appropriately stained slides, juxtaglomerular cells are distinguished by their granulated cytoplasm.

Similar to cardiac tissue, juxtaglomerular cells harbor β1 adrenergic receptors. When stimulated by epinephrine or norepinephrine, these receptors induce the secretion of renin.

[edit] See also

• Juxtaglomerular cell tumor

[edit] External links

• Histology at BU 16010loa
• juxtaglomerular+cells at eMedicine Dictionary

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