Renal Function During Stimulation of Renal Nerves

Abstract

Renal function was evaluated by detns. of renal clearance, volume of urine and by urinalyses during continuous stimulation of renal nerves. In our studies the period of stimulation was 24 hrs. or less. For clearance studies trained female dogs weighing 14 kg. were used. The following conclusions were drawn: 1. Electric stimulation of the renal nerves under optimal conditions induces renal vasoconstriction which results in a marked reduction of blood flow through the kidney for a few min., but despite continuous or interrupted stimulation, the blood flow through the kidney returns to prestimulation values within 1-2 hrs. 2. Significant renal damage could not be produced by continuous or interrupted stimulation of the renal nerves. When stimulation of renal nerves was begun, creatinine and PAH clearances and PAH extraction ratios decreased precipitously, but the values returned to practically normal levels within 1-2 hrs. even though stimulation was continuous. 3. A prolonged stoppage of diuresis occurred during stimulation of the renal nerves even though the glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow have returned to normal levels. However, anuria or oliguria of more than 70 min. duration could not be produced by stimulation of renal nerves. These data do not support the view that prolonged anuria or oliguria is due to renal vasoconstriction mediated by the renal nerves.