[Effects of fasting on the renal function of rats: Clearance experiments and Henle's loop microperfusion]

Results of a previous experiment indicated that osmotic pressure and sodium concentration in distal tubular fluid of the nephron constantly microperfused were increased during natriuresis of fasting rats. The present experiments were performed in order to clarify whether or not water reabsorption and urea movement in Henle's loop, which may modify osmotic pressure and sodium concentration in distal fluid, change in the fasting rat kidney. Non-fasting, 18 approximately 24 hours and 4 approximately 5 days-fasting rats were used. After surgical procedures, the animal was infused with 2% saline at 33.3 mul/min. The loop of Henle was perfused with 1% saline containing 0.05% lissamine green, 3H-inulin and 14C-urea at 29.1 nl/min. In the fasting groups, urinary flow and sodium excretion were increased, whereas urea excretion was depressed and inulin clearance showed a tendency to decrease. Tubular fluid to plasma ratio of osmotic pressure in the distal tubule was elevated without change of water reabsorption. From present and previous results, the increases of osmotic pressure and sodium concentration in distal tubular fluid of fasted rat kidney cannot be explained from an increase of water reabsorption in the Henle's loop. Consequently, natriuresis with fasting may contribute partially to an inhibition of sodium reabsorption in Henle's loops, possibly in the thick ascending limbs. Recovery of C-urea perfused into Henle's loops of fasted rats increased.