Renal Blood Flow and Function in the Rabbit After Surgical Trauma

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of surgical trauma on renal blood flow (RBF) and renal function. The renal vessels were catheterized in lightly anaesthetized rabbits and the dye-dilution technique was used to measure renal blood flow and cardiac output. The renal fraction of the cardiac output (RBF % CO), the total peripheral vascular resistance (TPVR) and the renal vascular resistance (RVR) were calculated. Evaluation of the glomerular and tubular function was made by measuring the extraction of EDTA and of Hippuran. A decrease in the cardiac output was accompanied by a diminution of renal blood flow. Renal blood flow was reduced, regardless of whether surgery or puncture of the kidney was performed, probably due to vasoconstriction in the kidney caused by an increase in sympathetic tonus or in the concentration of plasma catecholamines. Manipulation of the renal artery seemed to stimulate further vasoconstriction in the ipsilateral kidney by a direct effect. The glomerular and tubular function decreased initially, independently of surgical trauma, and it is therefore assumed that the initial renal vasoconstriction includes the afferent arterioles. Renal function was not greatly influenced by handling of the renal artery.