The innervation of the renal tubules

Abstract

Investigations were conducted on 13 dogs in experimental conditions under thiopental or morphine-thiopental anesthesia, and on 9 dogs in chronic experimental conditions with the ureters exteriorized on the abdominal wall. As shown, stimulation of the peripheral end of the previously divided vagus (on the neck, below the point of origination of the cardiac branches, under the diaphragm) increased the amount of glomerular filtrate, and reduced water reabsorption by the convoluted tubules with a rise of diuresis. Stimulation effect could be removed by atropinization. Denervation of one kidney eliminated the stimulation effect on this kidney. Disturbance of the acetylcholine-forming process by partial depancreatization by Kibyakov's method also removed the stimulation effect. The effect was partially restored by acetylcholine administration for the purpose of compensation. Stimulation of the vagus nerve in the animals with divided splanchnic nerve and intact vagus mainly reduced the reabsorptive function and increased diuresis. Alkaline phosphatase activity diminished in the kidneys as a result of vagus stimulation. No significant effect was exerted in the function by stimulation of the sympathetic nerve which follows the vagus course. The effect produced by vagus stimulation was not eliminated by adrenalectomy. Therefore the action exerted by the vagus upon the renal tubules is considered to be direct.