The renal functions following a severe hypoxia in conscious rats

The aftereffects of renal function were studied in rats exposed to hypoxia at 35,000 ft simulated altitude for 60 min. It was observed that the renal handling of a large volume of infused saline was retarded 4 hr after hypoxia, but it was nearly recovered by the end of 24 hr after exposure to severe hypoxia. However, the urine output, plasma and urine electrolytes, and renal hemodynamics were not significantly altered in hypoxic rats. A high mortality of rats exposed to such a low oxygen tension is also reported.