Renal function in experimental chronic hydronephrosis. I. Backflow studies with dextran.

By ligation of the ureter, causing partial ureteral stenosis, unilateral hydronephrosis was induced in 10 dogs. Renal function studies including creatine clearance and osmolality determination were performed both before and after the ureteral ligation. The renal function analysis after induction of hydronephrosis included pyelovenous and pyelolymphatic reflux studies, with deposition of dextran in the renal pelvis at different intrapelvic pressures. Analysis with respect to sodium, potassium, chloride and dextran in the thoracic duct lymph, peripheral blood and urine from the intact kidney were performed. The results show a reduction of the renal function in hydronephrosis, little transport of dextran via the lymph and blood, and no significant increase in the lymphatic transport of the studied ions on elevation of the intrapelvic pressure.