Methemoglobin-Induced Acute Renal Failure in the Rat

Oliguric acute renal failure was induced in dehydrated rats by an intravenous injection of human methemoglobin. Oliguria was associated with a markedly reduced pressure in the proximal tubules and efferent glomerular vessels. Neither intratubular obstruction nor massive backdffusion of filtrate were considered to play a decisive role in the establishment of anuria. Tubular compressing interstitial edema was not histologically evident. The major factor leading to anuria was thought to be a reduction of glomerular filtration rate consecutive to an increased preglomerular resistance.