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Renal function in rats chronically exposed to high altitude.

L C Ou, J Silverstein, B R Edwards

The American Journal of Physiology

|July 1, 1984

Summary

High altitude exposure causes severe polycythemia in rats, but glomerular filtration rate is maintained. This is achieved through increased effective renal blood flow (ERBF) due to renal vasodilation, possibly structural.

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Area of Science:

Physiology
Altitude Medicine
Renal Physiology

Background:

Chronic hypoxia from high altitude exposure leads to severe polycythemia (elevated hematocrit) and reduced plasma volume in rats.
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is typically maintained despite these changes, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate if increased effective renal blood flow (ERBF) contributes to maintaining normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in rats chronically exposed to simulated high altitude.
To explore the role of renal vasodilation in maintaining renal hemodynamics under hypoxic conditions.

Main Methods:

Measurements of renal function in conscious, trained rats with chronic catheterization.
Assessment of hematocrit, plasma fraction, renal plasma flow, effective renal blood flow (ERBF), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after 30 days of simulated high altitude exposure (18,000 ft).
Evaluation of blood pressure and the effects of acute hypoxia removal on ERBF.

Main Results:

Rats exposed to high altitude for 30 days exhibited severe polycythemia (hematocrit 64-77%).
Despite a 25% decrease in renal plasma flow, GFR remained within the normal range.
Effective renal blood flow (ERBF) increased, compensating for reduced plasma volume, suggesting renal vasodilation as blood pressure was unchanged.
Increased ERBF persisted after acute removal of the hypoxic stimulus, indicating potential structural adaptations.

Conclusions:

Increased effective renal blood flow (ERBF), resulting from renal vasodilation, plays a crucial role in maintaining glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in rats with chronic high-altitude-induced polycythemia.
The observed vasodilation may involve structural changes in the renal vasculature, as it was not immediately reversed upon removal of the hypoxic stimulus.

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