Contralateral natriuresis during reduced renal artery perfusion pressure in "renin-depleted" dogs.

Abstract

The mechanism of contralateral natriuresis subsequent to reduction of renal perfusion pressure was studied. In control dogs a drop in the renal perfusion pressure caused a very significant increase in the arterial and renal venous plasma renin activity, as well as a significant contralateral natriuresis. Systemic blood pressure increased along with contralateral intrarenal resistance. Glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow did not change in the opposite kidney.In "renin-depleted" dogs a comparable drop in the renal perfusion pressure failed to stimulate renal venous and arterial plasma renin activity. Contralateral natriuresis increased significantly as well as the systemic blood pressure. In the absence of renin, intrarenal resistance of the opposite kidney did not change. Contralateral glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow remained unchanged.During reduction of renal perfusion pressure, the most significant findings were: (1) absence of renin release despite the stimulation in renin-depleted dogs, (2) increase in contralateral resistance explained by the renin–angiotensin system, (3) systemic blood pressure increment despite renin release inhibition, and (4) the renin–angiotensin system not directly responsible for the contralateral natriuresis following a reduction in the renal perfusion pressure.Contralateral natriuresis cannot be explained by changes in glomerular filtration, renal blood flow, or intrarenal resistance. It is suggested that the rise in blood pressure or another factor, possibly neural or humoral, could explain the contralateral natriuresis.