Natriuresis and renin release by the denervated dog kidney during furosemide administration

Abstract

Renal excretion of sodium and water, renal venous plasma renin activity and renin secretion rate were measured during the administration of furosemide (5 mg/kg) to 10 anesthetized dogs, previously subjected to unilateral splanchnicotomy ("renal denervation"). Denervation diuresis and natriuresis, observed during control periods, did not occur when the diuretic was given and there were no significant changes in glomerular filtration rate or renal plasma flow in either the intact or denervated kidneys. Despite the abolition of denervation natriuresis with furosemide, plasma renin activity and renin secretion rate were depressed by splanchnicotomy. Thus, changes in the sodium load to the macula densa do not seem to play a decisive role in decreasing renin release following renal denervation.