Excretory function after unilateral renal denervation and administration of propranolol to unanaesthetized dogs.

The experiments were carried out on female dogs with exteriorized ureters prior to and following surgical denervation of the left kidney. Propranolol 1.0 mg/kg b.w. was administered intravenously. Sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, creatinine and urea concentrations in the urine from the denervated and intact kidneys as well as in blood drawn were determined. After renal denervation PAH clearance was determined. As a result of denervation diuresis and calcium and copper excretion were increased while urine osmolality was diminished. No change occurred in kidney blood flow and GFR. After propranolol administration diuresis, calcium and copper excretion in the intact kidney significantly increased. Changes in the excretory function of the left kidney following its denervation were not a result of alterations in renal haemodynamics. Results obtained indicative of that beta-adrenergic receptors contribute to the excretion of calcium and copper ions.