Effects of Unilateral Division of Splanchnic Nerve on the Renal Excretion of Electrolytes in Unanesthetized and Anesthetized Dogs: The Mechanism of ‘Crossed Stimulation’

Abstract

In unanesthetized and anesthetized dogs unilateral division of the splanchnic nerve resulted in a difference in the rates of excretion of Na, chloride and water and the filtration rate between the 2 kidneys. The difference was a consequence, partly, of an increase of excretion of these substances on the operated side as well as a decrease on the intact side. Evidence is presented which is consistent with the hypothesis that after splanchnicotomy there is loss of tone on the splanchnicotomized side and increase on the intact side. The increase of tone on the intact side seems to be related to the reflex mechanism of blood pressure homeostasis initiated by severance of the splanchnic nerve.