Effect of removing the clipped kidney on renovascular hypertension in rabbits.

Constriction of one renal artery in the presence of the opposite kidney can produce persistent hypertension which is often associated with increase in plasma renin activity, decrease in serum potassium and increase in water intake. In the present study the clipped kidney was removed in 15 hypertensive rabbits 12 to 54 weeks after the constriction. Blood pressure showed a prompt and transient fall which was followed by a slight rebound and subsequently a gradual decline. However, it still remained above the normal 5 weeks after removal. Removal of the clipped kidney resulted in return to normal of increased plasma renin activity, decreased serum potassium and increased water intake at the end of the postoperative first week.