Glomerular Intermittence in Rats Demonstrated by Use of a New Direct Visual Technic

Abstract

Direct visual evidence of glomerular intermittence in rat kidneys is demonstrated by means of a new technic which is considered to be much more physiological than those employed in previous studies of a similar nature. The technic consists in introducing a polyethylene tube into the aorta of a rat and passing one end to a point above the aorta, then exteriorizing the other end and allowing the animal to recover for a few days. At the time of sacrifice, various drugs and fluids were introduced through the tube and at appropriate time intervals these were followed by brief (5-10 sec.) injns. of India Ink. While the ink was being injd. the animals were guillotined between the heart and kidneys, thus instantly stopping all movement of blood in the kidneys. The kidneys were then studied histologically to observe the differences in ink patterns resulting from the different stimuli. 9 of 20 kidneys so far studied seemed to give evidence of glomerular intermittence.