Persistence of Experimental Renal Hypertension After Total Nephrectomy in Dogs

Abstract

Arterial hypertension persisted in dogs with experimental chronic renal hypertension treated with peritoneal lavage for 3-11 days after nephrectomy and until the terminal deterioration due to arteriolar and myocardial necrosis. Severity of the hypertension bore no relationship to the level of blood urea. Serum Na or K was within the normal range, and there was (with 2 exceptions) no gross overhydration. It is suggested that the renin-angiotonin system acts in the early stage of experimental renal hypertension primarily as a pressor agent and in the chronic phase to blunt or destroy the kidney''s ability to maintain arterial pressure at normal levels. Both renoprival hypertension and chronic renal hypertension are then due to loss of this specific renal function.