[Animal experimental studies on partial kidney function after temporary tourniquet ischemia with and without blood...

70 rats were subjected to tourniquet ischemia of a hind limb for a period of two and three hours. 12 rats served as controls. After release of the 3 hours tourniquets 20 rats were treated either with Ringer's solution or with hydroxyethyl starch. Kidney function and morphology, systolic blood pressure, hematocrit, serum electrolytes, creatinine and urea were studied as different times of recirculation. 1. Reduction in renal function was only observed after releasing the tourniquets. 2. The extent of reduction in renal function depended on the time of ischemia and time of recirculation. 3 hours of tourniquet with two hours of recirculation led to the largest extent of reduction in renal function and renal parenchymal lesions. 3. If the infusion of HES was applied at the beginning of recirculation, reduction in renal function was prevented, as well as parenchymal lesions. Ringer's infusion, however, did not improve kidney function to a normal range.