THE EFFECTS OF LOW BAROMETRIC PRESSURES ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE KIDNEYS OF THE WHITE RAT

Abstract

The kidneys of rats which had shown polyuria while exposed to low barometric pressure daily for 3 hrs. for 27 days, show relative increase in wt., hyperemia and a slight degree of parenchymatous damage. There is a positive correlation between hyperemia and the increase in wt. of the kidneys. It is suggested that diuresis is related in part to increased permeability of the glomerular capillaries because of the increased glomerular pressure assumed to accompany capillary distention. The direct effect of anoxia (which accompanies low barometric pressures) on the kidney vasa is suggested as the cause underlying hyperemia. The kidneys of rats which have been returned to room pressure for a mo. following the exposure to low barometric pressure show extensive parenchymatous damage, shrinkage of the stroma, and ischemia.