Role of the medullary perfusion defect in the pathogenesis of ischemic renal failure

Experiments were performed on rats to investigate the significance of the medullary hyperemia known to follow renal ischemia. To this end, its frequency was determined, its severity was quantified, and its relation to renal function was examined early (1 to 3 hr) and later (18 hr) after 45 min of warm ischemia. All kidneys were found to have a hyperemic outer medulla early after ischemia, which was shown to develop during the period of ischemia itself, but which was found to be highly variable in its severity. The degree of hyperemia was assessed both subjectively by grading and by histometric determinations of inner stripe capillary volume. One to hours after ischemia, the severity of medullary hyperemia was reflected in all indices of renal function, the least congested kidneys showing the best function. Eighteen hours after ischemia, the degree of medullary hyperemia was reflected in all indices of renal function, except urine flow rate; the non-congested kidneys showed functional recovery and the still-congested kidneys showed worsening function. Glomerular blood flow, known to be preferentially reduced in deep nephrons 1 to 3 hr after ischemia, had normalized 18 hr after ischemia in the non-congested kidneys but was still severely and unevenly depressed in the congested kidneys. It is concluded that congestion of the outer medulla is a key event in ischemic renal failure, its occurrence is coincidental with the reduction in deep nephron perfusion and urinary concentrating power in the early and maintenance phase and its disappearance heralds the restoration of deep nephron perfusion and urinary concentrating ability in the recovery phase.