Side-to-side right renal artery-vena caval fistula. A new model for experimental hypertension

A model for the investigation of blood pressure changes resulting from a renal arteriovenous (A-V) fistula is presented. After base line blood pressures were established in five adult mongrel dogs by carotid loop puncture, an A-V fistula was constructed between the right renal artery and vena cava. Weekly blood pressure determination showed a rise in systolic and diastolic pressure over control values. Split renal vein renins and split function studies were obtained at 3 months postfistula. Right nephrectomy at 6 months postfistula resulted in return of blood pressure readings to control values. Although no consistent pattern in the split renal vein renins and split function studies was seen, the data suggest that renin production may be responsible for the rise in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.