Hypertension following bilateral nephrectomy of the dog; the influence of dietary protein on its pathogenesis with emphasis on its development in the absence of extracellular fluid expansion.

Hypertension following bilateral nephrectomy of dogs has been obtained consistently in association with sodium balance and in the absence of expansion of the extracellular fluid volume as ordinarily measured. An enhanced dietary protein intake appears to be involved in the genesis of the hypertension under these conditions. Alterations in protein and potassium metabolism are described. The present, as well as former studies on the hypertension following nephrectomy, suggest that multiple factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of the hypertension. These factors are discussed.