Impaired natriuresis after volume expansion in the aged rat

These experiments were designed to compare the natriuretic ability of old(age 22-24 months) and young (4-6 months) rats after volume expansion. No difference in extracellular fluid volume was noted as estimated by inulin space; old 18.8 +/- 0.6% and young 18.2 +/- 0.7% of body weight. Standard clearance techniques were utilized in unanesthetized animals. The fraction of infused sodium excreted during and after expansion with isotonic saline equal to 7% BW was statistically lower in the old group 53 +/- 2 vs. 68 +/- 3% (p less than 0.01). Similar measurements were made during the infusion of whole blood equal to 2.3% BW. Again the old rats excreted a significantly lower fraction of the infused Na, 55 +/- 10 vs. young 112 +/- 12%. These differences do not appear to be explained by changes in glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure, hematocrit or serum protein concentration. We conclude that aged rats have an impaired ability to excrete sodium with volume expansion but the mechanism for this defect is yet to be determined.