This study was designed to investigate the possible role of renal nerv
es in the regulation of renal function after the application of heat (
BH), by means of an electric heating pad (42 +/- 1 degrees C) to the s
kin of the back overlying the kidneys. Both renal efferent (RENA) and
renal afferent nervous activity (RANA) were recorded in 7 anesthetized
female Wistar rats. It was found that RENA. reduced to less than 80%
of the control level during 30 min of back heating, accompanied by an
increase in excretion of urine, sodium and potassium, and enhanced the
glomerular filtration rate. BH in 9 chronic bilateral renal denervate
d rats (RD) showed the same renal responses as in the renal nerve inta
ct rats (RI) after back heating. It is concluded that renal nerves pla
yed only a partially role in the renal diuretic action of back heating
.