Effect of sodium acetate infusion on renal function in the dog

Sodium acetate (AC) is routinely used in dialysis solutions in hemodialysis units as it provides a ready source of fixed base. The renal dynamics of the buffer salt are not well known. Anesthetized dogs received i.v. infusions of AC at a rate of 40 to 600 muEq/kg/min. Urinary AC and bicarbonate excretion was measured and correlated with PAH and creatinine clearance and urinary electrolyte excretion. AC appeared in the urine as quickly as it was detected in the plasma. Its excretion gradually increased and tended to parallel bicarbonate excretion. PAH clearance increased with the advent of AC infusion, plasma pH and bicarbonate increase as AC is introduced. AC infusion caused an immediate drop in blood pressure. The systolic blood pressure returned to control in 3-5 min; there was a more gradual return in diastolic pressure. We conclude that AC is filtered and excreted into the urine at low plasma levels and has a low renal threshold.