Alterations in Kidney Weight Produced by Escherichia coli Endotoxin

Abstract

The rapid injection of E. coli endotoxin in eviscerated anesthetized dogs resulted in a sudden fall in kidney weight beginning within 15–35 seconds after injection and reaching a minimum weight within 10–20 minutes. This decrease in weight occurred independently from blood pressure changes and represented an average loss in weight of 25%. The results suggest that E. coli endotoxin either has a direct action on the renal vasculature or that it causes the liberation of an unknown substance, or substances, elsewhere in the body which act on the kidney.