Effect of ambient cold on urine concentration by the intact and denervated dog kidney

In dogs transferred from room temperature to a low temperature of 1 +/- (SD) 3.5 degree C, the plasma norepinephrine (NE) level increased significantly. Urine concentration decreased in the cold, in the intact and similarly in the chronically denervated kidney. After return to a warm environment urine concentration improved in both kidneys while plasma NE remained elevated. The data speak against an essential role of the renal function to ambient cold.