Role of renal nerves in maintaining sodium balance in unrestrained conscious rats
Abstract:
This study was designed to investigate the effects of bilateral renal denervation on sodium and water balance, the renin-angiotensin system, and systemic blood pressure in unrestrained conscious rats maintained on a normal- or low-sodium diet. Renal denervation was proven by chemical and functional tests. Both bilaterally denervated rats (n = 18) and sham-denervated rats (n = 15) maintained positive sodium balance while on a normal sodium intake. Both groups were in negative sodium balance for 1 day after dietary sodium restriction was instituted but were in positive sodium balance for the following 9 days. Systolic blood pressure was higher in sham-denervated (115 +/- 3 mmHg) than in denervated rats (102 +/- 3 mmHg) while on a normal diet (P less than 0.05) and remained so during sodium restriction. Plasma renin concentration (PRC) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) were significantly diminished in the denervated rats during normal sodium intake (P less than 0.05). After dietary sodium restriction, PRC increased in both groups but remained significantly lower in the denervated rats (P less than 0.05). Following dietary sodium restriction, PAC also increased significantly to levels that were similar in both groups of rats. These results demonstrate that awake unrestrained growing rats can maintain positive sodium balance on a low sodium intake even in the absence of the renal nerves. However, efferent renal nerve activity influenced plasma renin activity in these animals.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Antihypertensive Drugs: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Neural Regulation of Blood Pressure
Baroreceptor Reflex
Baroreceptors, located in the carotid sinuses and aortic arch, detect changes in blood pressure. When blood pressure rises, these stretch-sensitive receptors...
Blood and Nerve Supply to the Kidney
Bloody Supply to the Kidneys:
The kidneys receive their blood supply from the renal arteries, which branch off from the abdominal aorta—the main artery supplying the abdomen and lower body. The renal arteries enter the kidneys at the hilum, a notch on the medial side of each...
Glomerular Filtration Rate and its Regulation
GFR regulation involves two primary intrinsic controls: the myogenic and tubuloglomerular feedback mechanisms.
The myogenic...
Renal Regulation of Acid-Base Balance
In the kidneys, cells within the proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) and the collecting ducts secrete hydrogen ions (H+) into the tubular fluid. Specifically, in the PCT, Na+/H+ antiporters secrete H+ while reabsorbing Na+.
However, the intercalated cells in...
Physiology of the Genitourinary System II: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion


