A method for screening diuretic agents in the rat

A reproducible screening method for diuretic agents has been developed based upon the selection of a group of homogenous rats with a similar excretory pattern of water and electrolytes. Normal saline (4% body weight) was used as a hydrating fluid to select appropriate rats and to validate the diuretic activity of standard diuretics. The method required only a small number of rats for screening compounds and produced consistent responses in increasing water and electrolyte excretion.