Studies on intrarenal prostaglandins. Effect of unilateral renal artery constriction on lipid droplets in the medullary interstitial cells of the 'opposite' kidney in rabbits.

The unilateral renal artery in rabbits was constricted, and lipid droplet count in the medullary interstitial cells of the 'opposite' kidney was performed 1 week after surgery. Lipid droplet count in hypertensive rabbits was less than that in both nonhypertensive and normal rabbits and was inversely proportional to the mean blood pressure. Lipid droplet count was significantly correlated with the juxtaglomerular granulation index and the sodium content in the inner medulla. The present results suggest that, in the opposite kidney of rabbits hypertensive due to unilateral constriction of the renal artery, the enhanced release of prostaglandins and the washout of solute in the renal medulla may be induced as a response to increased perfusion pressure and elevated circulating angiotensin.