Mannitol-Induced Osmotic Diuresis During Renal Artery Occlusion

Abstract

Previous investigations in this laboratory demonstrated that adequate hydration was helpful in patients undergoing resectional therapy of abdominal aortic aneurysms but that a mannitol-induced osmotic diuresis offered no further significant advantage. Subsequently, the question has been raised as to whether or not a mannitol-induced osmotic diuresis might offer protection to the kidneys during renal artery occlusion. To elucidate this point mongrel dogs were anesthetized and discrete renal function studies were performed. The aorta above the renal arteries and both renal arteries were exposed and occluded for 2 hours. Three to 5 days later, discrete renal function studies were repeated and the kidneys examined grossly and microscopically. One group of animals received an infusion of mannitol before and during the period of aortic and renal artery occlusion, while another group received a similar volume of 5% dextrose in distilled water. No significant differences in renal function changes were seen between animals receiving either solution. It would appear that a mannitol-induced osmotic diuresis does not protect the kidneys of animals during renal artery occlusion, and that surgical procedures involving the renal arteries should be performed expeditiously rather than depending on ancillary measures such as mannitol.