125I-hippuran absorption from the human renal pelvis.

The absorption of 125I-hippuran from human renal pelvis was studied peroperatively in 18 patients with obstruction at the pelviureteric junction. Three types of experiment were included: absorption during induced diuresis, absorption at a constant intrapelvic pressure of 30 cm. H2O, and excretion of the indicator by the contralateral kidney. Total and separate glomerular filtration rate were measured using 51Cr-EDTA clearance technique and isotope renography. Distal tubular function was evaluated as maximum concentration ability. During induced diuresis the intrapelvic pressure increased to an average maximum value of 31.6 cm. H2O. The excretion of isotope from the contralateral kidney varied from one to 44% of the given dose. A significant correlation (r = 0.87) between the maximum intrapelvic pressure obtained and the amount of isotope excreted from the contralateral kidney was demonstrated. At a constant intrapelvic pressure of 30 cm. H2O the excretion of isotope from the contralateral kidney varied from two to 26% of the dosage given. The low value probably depended on the impaired function of the obstructed kidney. Our results show the existence of a significant reflux from the renal pelvis of small molecules, which was affected by renal function, intrapelvic pressure and volume.