Metabolic effects of sodium nitroprusside on the pig kidney in vivo: studies by phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy was applied to the pig kidney in vivo to determine the metabolic effects of infusion of sodium nitroprusside, and of more severe hypotension produced by venesection or halothane. Sodium nitroprusside 7-20 micrograms kg-1 min-1 reduced mean systemic arterial pressure (AP) of the pig from 89 to 46 mm Hg. Glomerular filtration rate and total sodium reabsorption were reduced proportionally. Renal metabolism, assessed by the ratio [ATP]: [Pi] (inorganic phosphate), did not change. Adding halothane or venesection to nitroprusside hypotension caused a further reduction in systemic AP to 42 and 39 mm Hg, respectively. Renal [ATP] decreased in direct proportion to mean AP. It is concluded that sodium nitroprusside, even in high doses, does not reduce renal oxygen delivery as assessed by the ability of the kidney to maintain normal ATP content. However, haemorrhage or an increase in halothane dosage results in irreversible damage to the energy producing processes of the kidney. This may be relevant to the clinical use of the drug.