The effect of saline-induced extracellular volume expansion on the kidney function.

The functional parameters of renal function of non-hydrated and hydrated dogs (saline-infused to an extent of 1-2% of the body weight) have been compared. The directly measured renal blood flow and the total renal vascular resistance were the same in the two groups. No difference has been found in glomerular filtration rate, the Cinulin was the same in the two groups. There was no important difference in the PAH clearance and PAH extraction. In the hypervolaemic group, the sodium and water excretion was about threefold that of the non-hydrated animals. The plasma protein concentration was significantly lower in the hydrated group. In our experiments we did not find glomerular factors responsible for the increase of sodium and water excretion. The decrease of tubular reabsorption is attributed partly to the decreased plasma protein concentration, partly to unknown (perhaps natriuretic) humoral factors.