Renal function in chronic hydronephrosis with and without infection and the role of the lymphatics. An experimental study in dogs

Renal function, rate of urine turnover in the renal pelvis, and the role of the renal lymphatics were studied in dogs during total ureteral occlusion lasting from 6 to 34 days with and without induced infection. — Glomerular filtration rate, effective renal plasma flow, concentration ability, and tubular reabsorption of sodium and potassium were followed. The concentrations of 2 radiolabelled clearance substances, iothalamate and o-iodohippurate, as well as those of sodium, potassium, and total protein were determined in hilar and/or subcapsular lymph obtained by cannulization of the lymphatics. — In uninfected hydronephrosis, concentration ability as well as sodium and potassium reabsorption were impaired as compared with control kidneys. In infected hydronephrosis, these partial functions were not maintained. Turnover in the occluded renal pelvis, ranged from 0.04 to 0.16 ml per minute. Following ureteral occlusion of 1 week, pyelolymphatic reabsorption into hilar, but not subcapsular lymph could be demonstrated.