Effects of pregnancy on the development of acute uremic syndrome in the rat.

We evaluated the contributory role which gestational metabolic adaptions may play in the development of acute uremic syndrome in rats by studying the effects of nephrectomy in pregnant and nonpregnant animals. Whereas no significant differences in creatinine and uric acid concentrations were found between control and pregnant rats, urea concentrations were significantly lower in the pregnant animals before, as well as well as 6, 12 and 24 h after, bilateral nephrectomy. It is suggested that creatinine production, which is related to muscle mass, is not altered during late gestation, whereas urea synthesis, which is affected by catabolic and anabolic factors, is significantly reduced.