Effect of High-Dose Prednisone on Renal Hemodynamics of Normal and Transplanted Dog Kidneys

Abstract

The effect of prednisone bolus therapy on renal hemodynamics was studied in normal, autotransplanted as well as homotransplanted dog kidneys. After intravenous administration of prednisone (8 and 16 mg/kg/min) the total blood flow decreased and vascular resistance increased significantly. This effect was more pronounced if the drug was directly injected into the arteria renalis. The same changes were observed in autotransplanted and homotransplanted kidneys and in kidneys in rejection. Our results suggest that high dosage of prednisone decreases the renal blood flow and this adverse effect has to be considered in the therapy. The administration of the drug directly into the arteria renalis may have to be avoided.