Serum and urine electrolyte changes following ligation of a left segmental renal artery in dogs

Abstract

Background and Aim: Ligation of renal artery has been reported to cause acute reduction of nephron population resulting in altered Na⁺ and K⁺ excretion pattern. However, no study has reported electrolyte balance following the ligation of a branch of left renal artery. Methods: Segmental ligation of left renal arterial branch was performed in 18 dogs. Changes in the excretion pattern of Na⁺ and K⁺ and the urine flow rate by the remnant kidney have been observed. Serum and urine samples were collected before and after the ligation at 30‑minute intervals for a period of two hours, and Na⁺ and K⁺ concentrations were determined along with the flow rate of urine. Results: A considerable reduction in the urinary excretion rate of Na⁺ and K⁺ was observed in 30 minutes after the ligation. Subsequently, a gradual rise in the rate of excretion of Na⁺ and K⁺ towards pre‑ligation values was observed by the end of 120 minutes. Statistically significant increase in K⁺ concentration in urine was observed at the end of two hours (P = 0.023). The serum analysis for both the electrolytes in all experiments showed no significant changes in concentrations. Conclusion: Findings of the present study suggest that ligation of an artery segment in the kidney though affects acute changes in K⁺, it does not affect the overall homeostasis of either water or electrolytes. The maintenance of homeostasis might be achieved through the improvement of function by the remnant kidney.