Pathophysiology of Acute Renal Failure

Abstract

Despite several decades of effort, the pathophysiology of nonspecific† acute renal failure is still uncertain. Two major points of view have emerged. One emphasizes tubular necrosis, and the other vasoconstriction as the principal cause of renal failure. The purpose of this brief review is to analyze these concepts. Equal emphasis will be given to observations in animals and in man. The animal models have the advantage that extensive data are available from direct technics such as micropuncture. Although evidence from studies of patients is fragmentary and indirect, it is worth attention because of the uncertain relevance of animal models to . . .