THE EFFECT OF INTESTINAL REPERFUSION ON RENAL-FUNCTION AND PERFUSION

This study examines the effect of intestinal reperfusion injury (IIR) on renal blood flow and relates this temporally to changes in renal AT P levels and renal tubular function, Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 120 min of intestinal ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion (IIR). Renal blo od flow was measured with radiolabeled microspheres and a Doppler flow probe. Renal dysfunction was quantitated by measuring inulin clearanc e and fractional excretion of sodium (FE(Na)) in the isolated perfused organ. Renal tissue ATP levels were measured using a luciferase-lucif erin assay, Sham-operated animals served as controls (SHAM). Renal blo od flow was reduced by > 80% in the animals sustaining IIR when compar ed to baseline measurements (P < 0.05) or SHAM (P < 0.05). Temporally this reduction in renal blood flow was associated with a 25% reduction in tissue ATP levels (P < 0.05). The kidneys of animals sustaining II R had a significantly greater FE(Na) than did those of controls. These data support the notion that IIR is associated with a profound reduct ion in renal blood flow which is temporally related to reduced renal t issue ATP levels and renal tubular dysfunction. (C) 1996 Academic Pres s, Inc.