Renal regulation of sodium, potassium and chloride balance in single- and twin-pregnant goats

Abstract

The aim of these studies was to analyse and compare changes in selected parameters of renal function in terms of water-electrolyte balance regulation in single- and twin-pregnant goats. Clearance analyses were carried out on 16 pregnant White Improved goats (8 in single and 8 in twin gestation). Blood plasma and urine samples were analysed for the concentration of inulin, endogenous creatinine, sodium, potassium, and chlorides. It has been demonstrated that glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the goat kidney does not change significantly during gestation. GFR recorded from the 1st week until the 20th week of gestation in twin-pregnant goats was only slightly higher compared to those observed in single-pregnant does. Blood plasma concentrations of major electrolytes, i.e. sodium, potassium and chloride ions, did not differ significantly in pregnant and non-pregnant goats, and remained within the reference values. From the very beginning of gestation, the single-pregnant goats showed increased renal potassium clearance; however, the level of sodium clearance remained stable. On the other hand, sodium clearance increased from the 2nd month of gestation in the twin-pregnant goats, while the load of excreted potassium did not change. These changes had probably resulted from varied levels of aldosterone and progesterone and their mutual proportions differing between the groups.