Renal function of the awake and hibernating marmot Marmota flaviventris [Fonction rénale de la marmotte Marmota flaviventris éveillée et hibernante].

Résumé

Renal function was determined by plasma clearance without urine sampling before and during hibernation in nine (five male, four female) marmots. Hibernation led to a reduction in inulin clearance (from 5.60±.60 to 0.439±.034 ml/ùin). During hibernation, filtration fraction increased to almost twice the value of the awake animal, and the CCr/CIn ratio increased during hibernation. During hibernation, the reduction in renal blood flow was not accompanied by a decrease in active transport to the extent noted previously in hypothermic marmots. Of the plasma electrolytes, only plasma sodium concentration changed. Plasma glucose was reduced during hibernation. The disagreement in reported values for plasma potassium may be due to release of epinephrine by the awake animal.