Experiments with Continuous Hemofiltration and Hemofiltrate Regeneration in the Rat

Abstract

Experimental studies were made with continuous hemofiltration treatment for bilaterally nephrectomized rats and initial observations regarding the effects of such treatment on leukocyte and thrombocyte counts are reported. Hemofiltration of unanesthetized rats able to move freely within their cage could be continued for up to 30 h using a pump-driven ECC system. Blood parameters recorded during this treatment indicate that the detoxification was effective. In another series of experiments the water and electrolyte reabsorption capacity of the colon ascendens of healthy rats was tested by continuously supplying NaCl solution into the colon via a fistula. A large proportion, if not all, of the hemofiltrate can be discharged into the colon without diarrhoea. A final series of experiments showed that the three-stage operation (implantation of permanent catheters, connection of a permanent intestinal fistula and bilateral nephrectomy) is possible with the rat.