The effect of an intravenous infusion of hypertonic saline on renal mechanisms and on electrolyte changes in sheep

Abstract

1. The ability of the sheep to tolerate excess sodium chloride has been investigated by subjecting sheep to an intravenous infusion of a 10% solution of sodium chloride.2. Inulin and diodrast clearances failed to show any consistent changes in glomerular filtration rate but the effective renal plasma flow was slightly more. Plasma levels of sodium and chloride increased by 20-25% and potassium decreased by 30%. Urinary levels for sodium and chloride showed a corresponding increase and potassium excretion was reduced.3. The rates of re-absorption of sodium and chloride from the renal tubules were found to be proportional to their rates of filtration at the glomerulus, but this ratio was reduced after the hypertonic saline infusion. No such correlation could be established for potassium.4. Osmolar clearances indicated that continued re-absorption of osmotically free water from the kidney tubular fluid occurred during and after the hypertonic saline. Excretion of urine, hyperosmotic to plasma, was thus maintained and water conservation supported.5. Possible renal mechanisms associated with these effects are discussed.