Stress-induced renal functional alterations in normotensives

This study was performed to assess changes in renal function accompanying cardiovascular responses to mental stress. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR, inulin clearance), renal plasma flow (RPF, PAH clearance), filtration fraction (FF), sodium excretion, and segmental sodium tubular reabsorption (lithium clearance) were measured in 15 normal volunteers during rest and stress. The psychological stress test used is based on a computerized version of the Stroop word color conflict test. Stress induced a significant (P less than .05) and sustained increase in blood pressure and heart rate. During stress, GFR and RPF did not change whereas FF increased significantly (P less than .05) and sodium excretion tended to decrease. The decrease in sodium excretion was due to a significant (P less than .05) increase in proximal reabsorption, which may be mediated by renal hemodynamic changes. The observed significant increase in FF suggests an increase in postglomerular arteriolar resistances, which may account for the increase in proximal sodium reabsorption through an alteration in peritubular Starling forces. In the long run, the stress-associated increase in sodium reabsorption may contribute to the development of hypertension.