Renal Blood Flow and Function Following Suprarenal Ligation of the Inferior Caval Vein: An Experimental Study in the Rabbit

Abstract

The renal blood flow and function were studied after acute ligation of the inferior caval vein craniad to the right renal vein in rabbits. Ths function as measured by th: extraction of EDTA and Hippuran diminished and often reached the lowest values on the fourth day. After tha fourth day, either renal function will return to normal values or renal failure will develop. The renal blood flow first diminished, then increased toward normal values which could occur rather early—four days—but mostly took 16 days. The low glomerular filtration rate is revealed roentgenologlca!ly by low density of the urogram and a weak nephrographic phase of the cortex during renal angiography. Segmental drainagz with several “water sheds” develops in thz inferior caval vein. The most important drainage of the renal veins is by way of the supra-renolumbar wins.