Energy Metabolism in Acute Uremic Rats

Abstract

In rats kept under starvation for 25 h after bilateral nephrectomy VO₂ is reduced to about 50% of the normal value. The body temperature is conspicuously low (33–34°C), the blood pH about 7.1. Raising the body temperature to normal values by keeping the rats in a thermostat does not influence the low metabolic rate. The prevention of acidosis by repeated application of bicarbonate in the postoperative period has no effect on VO₂. Tube feeding with glucose + oil or glucose + oil + casein does not improve the metabolic rate. However, the total glycerol plasma levels, already high in the state of starvation, are still more elevated. It is concluded that the primary effect of acute uremia is to suppress the metabolism, as a consequence of which the body temperature is lowered.