The effect of intestinal reperfusion on renal function and perfusion

This study examines the effect of intestinal reperfusion injury (IIR) on renal blood flow and relates this temporally to changes in renal ATP levels and renal tubular function. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 120 min of intestinal ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion (IIR). Renal blood flow was measured with radiolabeled microspheres and a Doppler flow probe. Renal dysfunction was quantitated by measuring inulin clearance and fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) in the isolated perfused organ. Renal tissue ATP levels were measured using a luciferase-luciferin assay. Sham-operated animals served as controls (SHAM). Renal blood flow was reduced by > 80% in the animals sustaining IIR when compared to baseline measurements (P < 0.05) or SHAM (P < 0.05). Temporally this reduction in renal blood flow was associated with a 25% reduction in tissue ATP levels (P < 0.05). The kidneys of animals sustaining IIR had a significantly greater FENa than did those of controls. These data support the notion that IIR is associated with a profound reduction in renal blood flow which is temporally related to reduced renal tissue ATP levels and renal tubular dysfunction.