Angiotensin II infusion improves renal function in experimental hyperdynamic sepsis

Abstract

In a model of hyperdynamic sepsis we found a large increase in renal blood flow (RBF) that was paradoxically accompanied by renal failure, which we hypothesized may be caused by decreased glomerular filtration rate due to efferent arteriolar vasodilatation. We therefore investigated the effect in sepsis of infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II), a preferential efferent arteriolar vasoconstrictor. In 6 conscious ewes, with flow probes around the aorta and renal, mesenteric, coronary and iliac arteries, intravenous live E. Coli. induced hyperdynamic sepsis (hypotension and increased cardiac output). RBF increased (292 ± 61 to 397 ± 74 mL/min P<0.01), but oliguria developed and creatinine clearanc..