Articles

Cortical and Medullary Canine Renal Lymph Formation during Acetylcholine Induced Renal Vasodilation

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Abstract

It is widely held that both corlex and medulla of the mammalian kidney participate in renal lymph formation (1). The influence of the renal cortex on renal lymph composition is demonstrated by renal lymph to arterial plasma ratios less than unity for inulin (2), creatinine (3) and p-aminohippurate (PAH)(4). The finding that cortical extraction of inulin is reflected in the renal lymph concentration of that substance promoted the hypothesis that renal lymph may be derived from both blood plasma and tubular reabsorbate(2). More detailed information concerning the mechanisms of cortical renal lymph formation requires further experimentation.

Lymph formation in the renal medulla is well supported by anatomical findings in the human kidney (5, 6). Even so, it has not yet been possible to demonstrate changes in canine renal lymph composition when medullary function is altered (3, 7). Thus, additional data are needed to establish the importance of the medulla in renal lymph formation.

The experiments of the present study are based on the finding that the capsular lymphatic vessels of the canine kidney drain primarily the cortex, while the hilar lymphatic vessels are believed to drain both cortex and medulla (8). The avid cortical extraction of PAH and the absence of protein from tubular reabsorbate make these two substances of particular interest. Additional information concerning both cortical and medullary renal lymph can thus be gained by determining capsular and hilar renal lymph concentrations of P AH and protein before and during changes in renal hemodynamics such as those produced by acetylcholine (ACh).

How to Cite:

Bell, R., (1971) “Cortical and Medullary Canine Renal Lymph Formation during Acetylcholine Induced Renal Vasodilation”, Lymphology 4(3), 74-78.