The renal functions following a profound hypothermia in rats

The aftereffects of renal function were studied in rats exposed to profound hypothermia and 5 min of cardiac arrest. All experimental rats were reanimated and survived at least 1 week. It was observed that the water intake and the basal renal excretion of urine, potassium and urea were decreased 24 hr after cooling, but did return to normal within 1 week. The renal handling of a large volume of infused saline was retarded 4 hr but recovered by the end of 24 hr after hypothermia. At both 4 and 24 hr after deep cooling, clearance of inulin and p-aminohippuric acid showed there were no change in glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow. It was concluded that the renal function was altered shortly after deep cooling and 5 min of cardiac arrest, however, this alteration could be completely recovered thereafter.