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The newborn rabbit: a model for studying hypoxemia-induced renal changes
J B Gouyon1, M Vallotton, J P Guignard
1Unité de Néphrologie, Service de Pédiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Suisse.
Biology of the Neonate
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Newborn rabbits show significant kidney function changes during normocapnic hypoxemia, with decreased glomerular filtration rate. This model is valuable for studying acute hypoxemia-induced renal alterations.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Physiology
- Experimental Medicine
Background:
- Acute hypoxemia can impact kidney function, particularly in immature organisms.
- Understanding renal responses to hypoxemia is crucial for neonatal care and research.
- The newborn rabbit is a potential model for studying these effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate renal functional changes in newborn rabbits under normocapnic hypoxemia.
- To evaluate the newborn rabbit as a model for studying acute hypoxemia-induced renal alterations.
Main Methods:
- Assessed renal extraction of p-aminohippuric acid (PAH) in normoxemic and hypoxemic rabbits.
- Measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow (RBF) using inulin and PAH clearances.
- Utilized anesthetized, mechanically ventilated newborn rabbits under controlled normocapnic hypoxemia (PaO2 = 38.6 +/- 2.1 mm Hg).
Main Results:
- Renal extraction of PAH showed a non-significant decrease (54.6% to 45.7%) during hypoxemia.
- A significant fall in GFR (p < 0.01) and filtration fraction (p < 0.01) was observed.
- Renal blood flow, vascular resistance, and urine flow rate remained largely unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Normocapnic hypoxemia significantly reduces GFR in newborn rabbits.
- The newborn rabbit is a suitable and cost-effective model for studying acute hypoxemia-induced renal changes.
- Further research can utilize this model to explore mechanisms of renal adaptation and injury during hypoxemia.