Age dependent different consequences of bilateral nephrectomy (NX) in rats.

ABSTRACT

Adult rats survived the removal of both kidneys (NX) for about 48 hours; survival time was distinctly lower in 10- and 20-day-old rats (about 24 hrs). Some of the measured parameters indicate age dependent differences in uremic impairment. In the prefinal period after NX blood urea nitrogen concentrations were distinctly higher in adult than in young rats. After nephrectomy diminution of the concentrations of GSH and GSSG in liver tissue is more distinct in adult than in young rats. Similarly, 24 hrs after NX the content of lipid peroxides in liver tissue was higher in adult than in 10- and 20-day-old rats. Furthermore, the prolongation of bleeding time in uremic rats was more distinct in adult than in young rats. The following parameters indicate uremic impairment clearly, but age dependent differences do not exist Increase of potassium concentration in plasma, enhanced activities of liver specific enzymes in plasma, reduced concentration of various amino acids in plasma and distinct increase in plasma concentration of taurine.