The Effects of Cardiac Denervation on Renal Function

Assessment of certain parameters of renal function were carried out before and 1 wk after total denervation of the heart by a method which leaves nerves to other organs intact. No changes in mean blood pressure, central venous pressure, cardiac output, GFR, or RPF were noted after cardiac denervation. UNaV after a low sodium diet was similar during a control period before and after denervation, but in response to expansion of the plasma volume a 3-fold greater natriuresis was seen in the denervated group. Alterations in the filtered load of sodium, the secretion of aldosterone, or most of the recently described physical and compositional factors known to influence sodium excretion cannot adequately explain this natriuresis. Expansion of an already augmented plasma volume after denervation or the possibility of a natriuretic or antinatriuretic factor with afferents interrupted in the process of cardiac denervation must be considered as etiologic factors.