MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Osmotic diuresis

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Osmotic diuresis

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Illustrations	Definition

Illustrations

Male urinary system

Definition Return to top

"Osmosis" involves the passage of a material through a semipermeable membrane that separates solutions of different concentrations. "Diuresis" is the secretion of large amounts of urine. Osmotic diuresis is urination caused by the presence of certain substances in the kidney tubules. Excessive amount of glucose (blood-sugar) can cause an osmotic diuresis, as can medications such as Mannitol.

Update Date: 10/28/2003

Updated by: Irfan A. Agha, M.D., Department of Medicine, Renal Division, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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