Effect of Unilateral Splanchnic Nerve Resection on the Renal Excretion of Sodium

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Abstract
Unilateral resection of the splanchnic nerves under pentobarbital anesthesia in 17 dogs receiving hypertonic saline infusions increased urine flow andNa excretion in 12, and produced no change in these functions in the remaining 5. Superior Na excretion by the denervated kidney was correlated with a superior filtered load in most instances; and, in the exceptions, with a relatively greater increase in filtered load (as compared with the control kidney) after denervation. In 3 of 5 animals on which observations were made a day or more after denervation, Na excretion was greater on the denervated side, both in the unanesthetized state and under pentobarbital anesthesia. Increased urine flow associated with denervation (when present), can be attributed to water osmotically obligated by Na and other solutes. It is concluded that the increase in Na excretion (and urine flow) which occurs after splanchnicectomy is a consequence of an increased filtration rate and consequently increased filtered load of Na delivered to the tubules. Since the filtration rate in the 2 kidneys is not necessarily identical, functional comparisons cannot be made directly between the control and the operated side, but must be based upon control observations in each side.