Effect of Magnesium Sulfate on the Alterations in Renal Dynamics Induced by Intravenous Hemoglobin

Abstract

Intravenous administration of lysed red cells causes a significant decrease in the glomerular filtration rate, effective renal plasma flow and urine flow of dogs. MgSO4 immediately reverses these changes in renal dynamics and urine flow. If a satisfactory level of serum Mg is established prior to the hemoglobin infusion, the kidney does not suffer a significant change in its function as measured by the clearance techniques. It is concluded that lysed red blood cells or the liberated hemoglobin causes a renal vaso-constriction and that this is effectively reversed or prevented by a known vasodilator, MgSO4.