RENAL FUNCTION IN THE SEPARATE KIDNEYS OF MAN. II. HEMODYNAMICS AND EXCRETION OF SOLUTE AND WATER IN ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION *†

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Abstract
Functional disparity be-tween the 2 kidneys, exceeding that found in normotensive subjects, has been observed in 40 out of 50 patients with essential hypertension. Disparity is present early in the disease. Two patterns of disparity are described. One suggests disparate total loss of nephron function; the other disparate decrease in filtration rate with consequent reduction in Na excretion, or disparate reabsorption of Na due to a tubular defect. In view of the fact that a renal abnormality as evidenced by functional disparity, is present early in the disease, the possibility exists that intrinsic renal disease may play a causal role in the genesis of essentia hypertension. However, it is equally consonant with the data to believe that a hypertensive process not of renal origin may invade the 2 organs unequally.