Renal function in domestic fowl.

SKADHAUGE, ERIK, AND BODIL SCHMIDT-NIELSEN. Renal function in domestic fowl. Am. J. Physiol. 2 12 (4) : 793-798. 1967.Roosters were exposed to water and salt loading and to dehydration. The ureteral urine was collected through polyethylene funnels. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was found to increase an average of 23 yO from dehydration to hydration, when at the same time the urine flow increased from 20 pl/min per kg to 300 pl/min per kg ( I ,500 yO). At the same time the osmolal urine-to-plasma ratio varied from I .58 to 0.37 and the excretion of water changed from I to 147~ of the filtered load. From dehydration to hydration the salt output increased from approximately I to 2.5y0 of the filtered load. Salt loading (I 2-15 mEq/kg body wt) did not reduce the GFR. In ducks and turkeys a similar concentrating capacity was found. The renal function of the bird resembles that of mammals with respect to the very stable filtration rate and the capacity to dilute and concentrate the urine. It resembles that of reptiles and other lower vertebrates with respect to the small fraction of filtrate that is resorbed during hydration and with respect to the effect of dehydration on tubular sodium resorption.