Abstract
The life span of erythrocytes is prominently shortened following bilateral nephrectomy of the dog. This is due to an intracorpuscular defect which appears to develop rapidly. While this defect develops, the erythrocytes remain normochromic and normocytic, display a normal osmotic fragility and are not coated with globulin. Intact renal tissue, as exemplified by the ureterocaval preparation, improves significantly the life span of the erythrocyte. Autoexplanted renal cortex, liver and spleen and the acutely hydronephrotic kidney do not protect against the shortened life span of the erythrocyte. The renal function which appears to protect against in vivo hemolysis seems to be primarily of nonexcretory type and mainly of medullary origin.
The results suggest the presence of a renal principle operating either directly at renal tissue level or indirectly by a humoral factor in preventing in vivo hemolysis.
