Renal mechanoreceptors in nonhuman primates

The present experiments provide the first description of the afferent discharge characteristics of renal mechanosensitive receptors in the nonhuman primate. Twenty-seven single units with mechano-sensitive receptor activity were obtained. Afferent discharge occurred regularly (pulse synchronous) or irregularly (pulse asynchronous) under spontaneous respiration. The activity of pulse synchronous units was increased by partial occlusion of the renal vein and elevation of arterial pressure. Impulse activity decreased or disappeared during bleeding or renal arterial occlusion. The impulse activity of pulse asynchronous units was increased by partial occlusion of the renal vein. The impulse activity of silent units was induced only by partial occlusion of the renal vein. An increase in ureteral pressure (50 mmHg) produced an increase or induced impulse activity in only three of the 27 fibers tested. Compression of the kidney or renal venous occlusion was associated with a decrease in systemic arterial pressure, whereas renal arterial occlusion produced a rise in systemic arterial pressure. An increase in ureteral pressure (50 mmHg) did not produce a change in arterial pressure.