Effects of Chronic Peripheral Venous Congestion on Renal Sodium Excretion

Abstract

Chronic peripheral venous pressure elevations were produced in the dog by partial or complete ligation of various major veins. Elevated peripheral venous pressure was invariably paralleled by a fall in Na excretion rate, although glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow were essentially unchanged. As the venous pressure fell through the establishment of collateral circulation, the rate of Na excretion gradually returned toward normal. Apparently peripheral venous congestion is a major factor in causing Na retention by the kidney and that regardless of intermediary mechanism, its action is mediated via alterations in renal tubular reabsorptive capacity.