Renal Hemodynamic Response to Erythropoietin-Induced Polycythemia in 5/6 Nephrectomised Rats Is Different from Normal Rats

Abstract

The effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO)-induced polycythemia on renal function and glomerular hemodynamics were evaluated in Munich-Wistar rats (MW+EPO) before and after infusion of indomethacin; the rHuEPO effects on total renal function were also evaluated in 5/6 nephrectomized (CRF) MW and spontaneously hypertensive rats (MW-CRF+EPO and SHR-CRF+EPO, respectively). In normal MW rats, rHuEPO (300 IU/kg BW, 3 x /week, during 2 weeks) induced elevation in MAP, with maintenance of GFR, paralleled by superficial vasodilatation and elevation in SNGFR, suggesting cortical blood redistribution. These hemodynamic alterations induced by rHuEPO were blunted by indomethacin, suggesting a participation of the vasodilator prostaglandins in the renal compensatory mechanism of polycythemia. Elevation in MAP and reduction in GFR occurred in the MW-CRF+EPO group compared with the group receiving vehicle. In contrast, the SHR-CRF+EPO presented a reduction in MAP and maintenance of GFR, suggesting different rHuEPO effects depending on previous renal function and/or hypertensive state.