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THE FUNCTION OF THE KIDNEY WHEN DEPRIVED OF ITS NERVES.
1James B. Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Researchers successfully removed and reimplanted a dog's kidney, finding it maintained normal function independently. This suggests that secretory nerves do not control kidney function, offering new insights into renal physiology.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Surgical Innovation
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The role of nervous system control in kidney function has been a long-standing question in physiology.
- Previous understanding of renal regulation lacked definitive evidence regarding the necessity of nervous innervation for sustained kidney function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional capacity of a kidney after temporary removal from the body and its nervous system control.
- To determine if a reimplanted kidney can independently sustain normal physiological function.
- To provide evidence regarding the existence of secretory nerves to the kidney.
Main Methods:
- Surgical removal of a dog's kidney using vascular suture techniques.
- Temporary isolation of the kidney from the central nervous system.
- Reimplantation of the kidney back into its original position.
- Monitoring of renal function through comparative analysis with a normal kidney.
Main Results:
- The temporarily removed and reimplanted kidney exhibited an initial period of hyperfunction compared to the contralateral normal kidney.
- Following the initial phase, the kidney demonstrated balanced renal function.
- Long-term observation confirmed that a single, reimplanted kidney could indefinitely support normal life in the animal.
Conclusions:
- The study provides strong evidence that secretory nerves to the kidney are not essential for its long-term function.
- Reimplanted kidneys are capable of autonomous function, maintaining homeostasis without direct nervous system control.
- These findings challenge the traditional view of nervous system regulation in renal physiology.
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