Norepinephrine and Epinephrine Effect on Renal Hemodynamics: With Particular Reference to the Possibility of Vascular Shunting and Decreasing the Active Glomeruli

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Abstract
The renal hemodynamic effect of continuous infusions of epinephrine and norepinephrine was evaluated in 16 dogs using clearance technics. The primary response was a reduction in renal plasma flow resulting in an increased filtration fraction. As the rate of infusion was increased the renal plasma flow decreased further. This was accompanied by parallel reductions in glomerular filtration rate and maximum tubular function (TmG). The latter observation is interpreted to indicate that the number of functioning nephrons was decreased. There is no evidence that these vasopressor drugs activate renal vascular shunts, nor is there evidence that the sympathetic nervous system regulates renal function under normal conditions.