Renal vasoconstriction following shock wave lithotripsy (swl) is mediated by renal nerves Free

High‐energy shock waves (SWs) to one kidney (2000 SWs at 24 kV) reduces blood flow in both kidneys (65% in shocked kidneys, 33% in contralateral unshocked kidneys). We determined if unilateral renal denervation of the unshocked kidney alters renal blood vessel constriction after SWL. Six‐week‐old pigs underwent unilateral kidney denervation. Visible renal nerves along the renal artery of one kidney were isolated, cut, and painted with 10% phenol. Two weeks later, the pigs were anesthetized and kidney function was followed with inulin and PAH clearance. 2000 SWs (at 24 kV, Dornier HM3) were applied to the lower pole of the innervated kidney. Bilateral glomerular filtration rate (inulin clearance) and renal plasma flow (PAH clearance and extraction) were measured 1 h before and 1 h after SWL. Both kidneys were then removed to determine norepinephrine (NE) content in the tissue. Denervation reduced NE levels to 8.7% of innervated kidneys. While blood flow fell as expected in the innervated shocked kidney, there was no change in blood flow in the denervated kidney. Results suggest that renal nerves mediate part of the vasoconstrictor response of unshocked kidneys to SWL. [Work supported by NIH P01 DK43881.]