Effect of acetazolamide on renal function of the newborn piglet

The effects of renal development on the response of newborns to acetazolamide were determined in an animal model, 5- and 20-day-old piglets. Increasing doses of acetazolamide increased both sodium and potassium excretion in 5-day-old piglets. Sodium excretion increased from 1.89 muEq/min during control periods to 15.7 muEq/min during infusion of acetazolamide (75 mg/kg/h). Potassium excretion increased to 20 muEq/min during acetazolamide infusion and urine pH increased from 5.7 to over 8.0. Sodium excretion by 20-day-old piglets given acetazolamide was similar to that of 5-day-old piglets but potassium excretion was twice as great (40 muEq/min). Changes in urine pH of the two groups were identical. It is concluded that the natriuretic response of 5-day-old piglets to acetazolamide is similar to that of older animals. In newborn piglets, moderate increases in sodium excretion by acetazolamide were accompanied by a marked kaliuresis. These data may identify a role for carbonic anhydrase in potassium excretion by newborn similar to that of adults.