Effect of glucagon infusion on renal hemodynamics in normal subjects and patients with chronic glomerulonephritis

The effect of glucagon infusion (15-20 ng/kg/min, for one hour) on renal hemodynamics was examined in normal subjects and in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN). In normal subjects, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was significantly increased by glucagon with a concomitant rise in effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) and filtration fraction (FF) (GFR/ERPF). In renal patients with a baseline GFR of above 90 ml/min/l/73 m2, GFR was significantly increased in response to glucagon, without a significant rise in ERPF. The patients whose baseline GFR ranged from 40-90 ml/min had no significant increase in GFR, while ERPF rose significantly. These results suggest that the renal hemodynamic response to glucagon infusion were modified by the level of baseline GFR in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis.