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THE RENAL CLEARANCE OF HEMOGLOBIN IN THE DOG
1Department of Pathology, The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Kidney studies show hemoglobin clearance is 3% of creatinine clearance above 250 mg/dL plasma concentration. A renal threshold for hemoglobin exists at 100 mg/dL, preventing hemoglobinuria below this level.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Renal Physiology
Background:
- Hemoglobinuria is a condition where hemoglobin is detected in urine.
- Understanding the renal handling of hemoglobin is crucial for diagnosing kidney function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the renal clearance of hemoglobin and its relationship with creatinine clearance.
- To determine the renal threshold for hemoglobin and explore the mechanisms of hemoglobin excretion.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous clearance studies of hemoglobin and creatinine in dogs.
- Measurement of plasma hemoglobin concentrations and glomerular filtration rates.
Main Results:
- Hemoglobin is eliminated by the kidney at 3% of creatinine clearance above a plasma concentration of 250 mg/dL.
- A renal threshold for hemoglobin was identified at approximately 100 mg/dL, below which hemoglobinuria does not occur.
- Renal clearance of hemoglobin in dogs averaged 2 cc/min, with tubular recovery of approximately 2 mg/min via an "athrocytic" process.
Conclusions:
- Hemoglobinuria is not caused by transient glomerular injury.
- Renal hemoglobin excretion follows principles of modern kidney function theory, involving glomerular filtration and tubular reabsorption/recovery.
- The glomerulus filters hemoglobin based on plasma concentration, with limited passage through specific pores, and tubules recover a small, constant amount.
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