Synergistic effects of acute hypoxemia and hypercapnic acidosis in conscious dogs. Renal dysfunction and activation of the renin-angiotensin system.

The effects of acute hypoxemia and hypercapnic acidosis were examined in five unanesthetized dogs in which sodium intake was controlled at 80 mEq/24 hours for 4 days prior to study. Each animal was studied during combined acute hypoxemia and hypercapnic acidosis (Pao2 = 36 +/- 1 mm Hg, Paco2 = 52 +/- 1 mm Hg, pH = 7.18 +/- 0.02), acute hypoxemia alone (Pao2 = 32 +/- 1 mm Hg, Paco2 = 32 +/- 1mm Hg, pH = 7.34 +/- 0.01), and acute hypercapnic acidosis alone (Pao2 = 82 +/- 2 mm Hg, Paco2 = 51 +/- 1 mm Hg, pH = 7.18 +/- 0.02). Although mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, and heart rate increased during combined hypoxemia and hypercapnic acidosis, effective renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate decreased. In addition, filtered sodium load and urinary sodium excretion decreased during combined hypoxemia and hypercapnic acidosis. Either acute hypoxemia or hypercapnic acidosis alone resulted in increased mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, and heart rate. However, in contrast to their combined effects, renal hemodynamic function was unchanged and natriuresis was observed. Measurement of plasma renin activity and angiotensin II concentrations indicated that hypoxemia or hypercapnic acidosis alone resulted in moderate activation of the renin-angiotensin system. Moreover, combined hypoxemia and hypercapnic acidosis acted synergistically resulting in major renin-angiotensin activation. Systemic angiotensin II blockade using 1-sarcosine, 8-alanine, angiotensin II (2 micrograms/kg per min) during combined acute hypoxemia and hypercapnic acidosis resulted in decreased renal hemodynamic function. We conclude that acute hypoxemia and hypercapnic acidosis act synergistically to increase mean arterial pressure, diminish renal hemodynamic function and activate the renin-angiotensin system. Systemic angiotensin inhibition studies suggest activation of the renin-angiotensin system maintains renal hemodynamic function during combined hypoxemia and hypercapnic acidosis, instead of mediating the renal vasoconstriction.