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Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Quantifying Acute Changes in Renal Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Response to Central Nervous System Manipulations in Anesthetized Rats
Published on: September 11, 2018
Renal nerve stimulation modulates renal blood flow in a frequency-dependent manner
Dzifa Kwaku1, Dusty Van Helden2, Joan Dao1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.
Kilohertz-frequency electrical stimulation reversibly inhibits renal nerve activity, offering a potential alternative to renal denervation for hypertension. This study explored its effects on renal blood flow in swine, finding frequency-dependent responses and lasting changes in nerve sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Chronic renal nerve overactivity contributes to drug-resistant hypertension.
- Current renal denervation is irreversible, limiting long-term effectiveness.
- Kilohertz-frequency electrical stimulation offers reversible nerve modulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the effects of electrical stimulation on renal nerve activity and renal blood flow.
- Explore frequency-dependent responses and adaptive mechanisms.
- Assess the potential for reversible modulation of kidney function.
Main Methods:
- Unilateral renal artery-nerve complex stimulation in anesthetized swine.
- Parameter sweeps of stimulation frequency (20-15000 Hz).
- Measurement of ipsilateral renal blood flow and blood pressure.
Main Results:
- Low-frequency stimulation (≤100 Hz) reduced renal blood flow.
- High-frequency stimulation (>100 Hz) initially decreased blood flow but adapted over time.
- Kilohertz-frequency stimulation induced a carryover effect, reducing subsequent low-frequency stimulation's impact on renal blood flow.
Conclusions:
- Renal nerve stimulation effects are frequency-dependent and can be persistent or adaptive.
- Electrical stimulation can decrease renal blood flow and modulate renal nerve sensitivity.
- Findings support the development of bioelectronic interfaces for renal nerve modulation.
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Published on: February 14, 2018
05:09Long-Term Continuous Measurement of Renal Blood Flow in Conscious Rats
Published on: February 8, 2022
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