Glomerular filtration rate in intact and splenectomized running and swimming dogs.

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured using a continuous inulin infusion in control, treadmill running, and swimming experiments in intact and splenectomized dogs. There was a 20% increase in the GFR after swimming in the splenectomized dogs as compared to the corresponding value in the control trials (P less than 0.01). The GFR was not changed during or after running or during swimming. Possible mechanisms maintaining the GFR in intact and splenectomized dogs during exercise are discussed.