Abstract: SA-PO0274
After AKI, Disproportionate Reductions in GFR Relative to Renal Blood Flow Are Associated with Reduced Renal Hypoxia and Anemia
Session Information
- AKI: Mechanisms - Cell Signaling
October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Acute Kidney Injury
- 103 AKI: Mechanisms
Authors
- Kindred, Mark, East Tennessee State University James H Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States
- Payne, Christopher Bennett, East Tennessee State University James H Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States
- Joseph, Christopher Antony, East Tennessee State University James H Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States
- Shaw, Makayla Ann, East Tennessee State University James H Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States
- Rogers, Joshua, East Tennessee State University James H Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States
- White-Archer, Melissa, East Tennessee State University James H Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States
- Chopde, Purva R., Illinois Institute of Technology Armour College of Engineering, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Williamson, Geoffrey A., Illinois Institute of Technology Armour College of Engineering, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Griffin, Karen A., Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- O'Connor, Paul, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
- Polichnowski, Aaron J., East Tennessee State University James H Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States
Background
Acute kidney injury (AKI) contributes to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and anemia. Altered relationships between renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) during AKI recovery may contribute to the AKI-to-CKD transition and anemia. This study characterized changes in renal hemodynamics and anemia in conscious rats following ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury and assessed renal hypoxia at 2 weeks post-injury.
Methods
Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=11) underwent unilateral nephrectomy and implantation of a blood pressure radiotelemeter, RBF probe, and FITC-inulin pump. One week later, baseline measurements were obtained before 35-minute IR (n=6) or sham IR (n=5). Hemodynamics were assessed daily, while GFR and hematocrit (Hct) were measured every 3 days through day 14 following IR. Effects of IR on hemodynamics were assessed using a GFR/RBF index (both as % of baseline). On day 13, pimonidazole (Hypoxyprobe) was administered to assess renal hypoxia by blinded semiquantitative scoring (1–3), with higher scores indicating more robust corticomedullary staining. Data were analyzed using 2-way repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test and linear regression. Data are mean±SE; P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results
Greater proportional reductions in GFR relative to RBF were observed in IR vs sham rats on day 2 (0.47 vs 0.93; P<0.05, Fig. 1A). Hct was lower in IR vs sham rats on day 8 (34 vs 40%; P<0.005, Fig. 1B), and it remained lower through day 14. Lower GFR/RBF indices were associated with reduced day-14 Hct (Fig. 2A) and hypoxyprobe staining (Fig. 2B).
Conclusion
Reductions in GFR following AKI exceeded those of RBF early during recovery. This early GFR/RBF mismatch may contribute to subsequent reductions in renal hypoxia and Hct following IR injury.
Funding
- NIDDK Support