The central and renal hemodynamic effects of amino acid infusion in the study of renal reserve in the baboon

Normal human renal function is characterized by a large renal reserve. Recruitment of this reserve is a compensatory and pathological response to renal injury. This study was designed to assess the renal reserve and central hemodynamics of young female baboons and, in doing so, the appropriateness of the use of these animals in a model of human renal disease. Eight female baboons completed the protocol. PAH and inulin clearances were measured before and after an amino acid infusion. Central hemodynamics were measured with arterial and pulmonary artery catheters. Effective renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate increased by 42% after amino acid infusion (P = .025). Expansion of renal function was not consistent among individual baboons; two of the eight animals did not demonstrate renal reserve. Central hemodynamics were unaffected by the protocol.