Drug-induced renal medullary necrosis: IV. Effects on the urinary sodium output and systemic blood pressure

Abstract

Renal medullary necrosis was produced in rats by administration of 2-bromo-ethylamine hydrobromide and the resulting functional alterations of the kidneys, such as renal handling of sodium and potassium, response to salt-loading and glomerular filtration rate, and the effects of necrosis on the systolic blood pressure were investigated. The pair-fed rats drinking either distilled water or 0.9% NaCl solution had exaggerated natriuresis during the period examined. Glomerular filtration rate measured on day 2 and week 16 was significantly reduced. In addition, experimental rats consumed a large amount of 0.9% NaCl solution. Elevation of systolic blood pressure was seen in some of the experimental rats that drank 0.9% NaCl solution. In conclusion, the renal medullary necrosis in rats either primarily or secondarily influences the function of the kidneys. The renal medullary necrosis per se appears to have little effect on the systolic blood pressure unless it is coupled with NaCl loading.