Effects of Contralateral Nephrectomy on Renal Function Depressed by Previous Unilateral Renal Arterial Constriction

Abstract

In dogs rendered unilaterally anuric or near anuric by renal arterial constriction, removal of the unmolested companion kidney may be followed by resumption of or increase in urine formation by the remaining kidney and by survival. PAH and inulin clearances, sometimes less immediately after contralateral nephrectomy than originally obtaining in that kidney, rose so that in no instance were the final values observed less than the original normal levels for that kidney. In all 6 animals used arterial hypertension developed after arterial constriction. After unilateral nephrectomy clearance values in the remaining kidney rose even though arterial pressure was not further elevated. Neither gross edema nor weight gain appeared. Na retention was not observed except in one dog, where there was no opportunity for confirmation.