STUDIES ON EXPERIMENTAL HYPERTENSION

Abstract

The development of persistent elevation of systolic blood pressure followed the experimental reduction of blood flow to the kidneys of dogs. The increase of blood pressure varied with the degree of ischemia. Constriction of one renal artery was usually followed by a transient rise of blood pressure. If blood flow to the other kidney was then reduced the blood pressure again rose, usually to a higher level, and this elevation persisted. Unilateral suprarenalectomy with destruction of the medulla and denervation of the other suprarenal body, as well as section of the splanchnic nerves on this side, did not prevent the development of systolic hypertension following the production of bilateral renal ischemia. When the constriction of the renal arteries was made moderate, or gradually increased to almost complete occlusion, kidney function, as determined by various tests, showed little or no impairment. Constriction of some other arteries of the body did not have the effect of raising the blood pressure. When both renal arteries were almost completely constricted from the beginning, the development of uremia accompanied the rise of blood pressure.