The Pattern of Recovery of Renal Function Following Renal Artery Occlusion in the Dog

Abstract

The pattern of recovery of renal function following two hours of complete ischemia was studied in a series of dogs. A marked functional ischemia persisted for several hours after release of the clamp, but restoration of blood flow was substantially complete in 24 hours. Other renal functions returned slowly over a period of weeks, reflecting the rate of repair of damaged tubules. Two important phases of recovery are thus to be considered: (a) a brief but significant period of continuing ischemia immediately following the trauma, and (b) a period of slow repair of those nephrons damaged but not destroyed in the first phase of the insult.