Role of renal nerves in compensatory adaptation to chronic reductions in sodium intake

The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of the renal nerves in adaptation to chronic reductions in sodium intake. Conscious dogs with unilateral or bilateral renal denervation were studied. Kidney function was determined by the clearance [125I]-contrast media. In dogs studied before and after bilateral denervation, there were no differences in urine volume (UO), Na excretion (U/sub Na/V), or fractional reabsorption of Li, between innervated and denervated kidneys on either normal (80 meg/day) or low Na intake (5 meq/day, 15 days). Plasma renin activity (PRA) was attenuated following denervation on both normal and low Na intake. There was no difference in UO between innervated and denervated kidneys on normal or low Na intake. U/sub Na/V averaged 33.6 +/- 1.3 and 37.6 +/- 2.1 meq/day in innervated and denervated kidneys, respectively, on normal Na intake and 3.5 +/- 0.5 and 4.0 +/- 0.4 meq/day in innervated and denervated kidneys on low Na intake. Norepinephrine content was reduced by 99 +/- 1% in denervated kidneys. These results suggest that, although the renal nerves may play a small role in controlling U/sub Na/V during normal Na, the presence of the nerves is not essential for adaptation to chronic reductions in Na intake. However, the renal nerves may play a role in long-term control of renin secretion