Renal Function in Diabetes Insipidus

Diabetes insipidus and the mechanism of its underlying disturbance have long been a source of interest to investigators. During the last two to three decades a considerable literature has developed along various lines of approach, such as the central nervous system, the endocrine system, the body metabolism and the kidney. It is the last of these that is of particular interest, with specific regard to renal hemodynamics, water exchange and the relation of both to the pituitary. REVIEW OF LITERATURE These three aforementioned aspects of renal function, both in physiologically normal persons and in patients with diabetes insipidus, can be resolved into several fundamental questions: 1. To what extent is the amount of urine excreted a function of (a) renal blood flow or (b) glomerular filtration? 2. (a) What is the relation of the pituitary to urine output as regards both diuresis and antidiuresis? (b) Is the mechanism of its