Effects of carotid baroreceptor stimulation and renal denervation on the medullary concentration gradient in rat kidneys

Abstract

Unilateral stimulation of carotid baroreceptors in unanesthetized rats treated with desoxycorticosterone acetate caused highly significant decreases in solute content and osmolar concentration in the inner renal medulla. There was also a corresponding decrease in urine osmolality and a large increase in the excretion of sodium. In rats subjected to water diuresis, the changes in medullary tissue composition were similar but sodium excretion was very low, indicating that the natriuretic response was not a result of medullary "washout" per se. Renal denervation had no significant effect on medullary tissue composition and did not prevent the dissipation of the cortico-medullary concentration gradient following carotid baroreceptor stimulation. It is concluded that the changes in inner medullary composition are mediated by a humoral agent.