Distribution of intrarenal blood flow after renal denervation in the dog

The effect of acute denervation of the kidney on renal sodium and water excretion, and hemodynamics including intrarenal blood flow, was studied in anesthetized dogs. The intrarenal blood flow was measured by the radioactive microsphere method. In all experiments denervation natriuresis and diuresis was observed without significant change in glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow and distribution of intrarenal blood flow. There was, however, an associated increase in potassium excretion. We suggest that denervation natriuresis and diuresis may be caused by the elimination of a direct nervous control of sodium and water reabsorption.