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. 1980 Apr;301:129–136. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.1980.sp013194

Changes in renal haemodynamics and kidney weight during pregnancy in the unanaesthetized rat

J M Davison 1,*, M D Lindheimer 1
PMCID: PMC1279387  PMID: 7411427

Abstract

1. Glomerular filtration rate ([3H]inulin clearance) and renal plasma flow (PAH clearance) were measured in unanaesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats early in pregnancy (8-10 days) and near term (18-20 days); the results were compared with studies in virgin litter-mates. Evidence of kidney growth was sought by analysing renal dry weights as well as [14C]choline incorporation into membrane phospholipids of renal cortical slices.

2. Inulin clearances were similar early in pregnancy (pregnant 2·36 ± 0·12 (S.E. of mean) vs. non-pregnant 2·33 ± 0·10 ml./min) but near term values were significantly increased (pregnant 2·80 ± 0·05 vs. non-pregnant 2·39 ± 0·05 ml./min, P < 0·001). PAH clearances were similar in pregnant and litter-mate control animals at each stage of the study.

3. Total renal weight increased significantly both early and late in pregnancy, but renal dry weights as well as [14C]choline incorporation were similar in pregnant and non-pregnant animals both at 8-10 days gestation and near term.

4. Data confirm our previous findings on renal haemodynamics in anaesthetized rats. Observations that renal dry weight and [14C]choline incorporation into phospholipids are similar in litter-mate pregnant and control animals suggests that renal enlargement in this species is due to increments in water content and not to accelerated growth.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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