Computed Tomographic Analysis of Renal Function in Rats with Myoglobinuric Acute Renal Failure

Abstract

Using a unique, magnifying computed tomography scanner, we have evaluated the renal excretion of iodinated radiographic contrast material in 3 normal rats and 5 rats with glycerol-induced acute renal failure. Computed tomography scans were performed on each animal prior to and 2, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min following the intravenous administration of contrast material. Normal rats showed a greater concentration of contrast material in the medulla than in the cortex; excretion of contrast material was virtually completed within 60 min. All rats affected with acute renal failure manifested an initially greater concentration of contrast material in the cortex than in the medulla. Later scans showed very variable patterns of contrast material excretion, with no significant contrast material reaching the medulla in 2 animals, and delayed excretion poor syntax in the other 3 animals.