Lack of an effect of saline loading on glycerol-induced acute renal failure

To determine whether saline loading actually protects against acute renal failure, both C and BUN were measured in rats drinking either tap water or 1% saline for 1-3 months. At 24 and 48 h after an injection of 10 ml/kg i.m. of 50% glycerol in water, CTN was equally reduced in saline-drinking and water-drinking rats as compared to uninjected rats. The daily intraperitoneal injection of saline for 1-3 months also was not protective. At 48 hours after glycerol injection, the BUN concentration in saline-drinking rats was significantly lower than in water-drinking rats. This was probably due to the greater renal urea clearance in these animals. We conclude from these findings that saline loading does not protect against glycerol-induced acute renal failure in the rat although it affects the Curea and Bun concentration.