The influence of warm ischaemia on renal function and pathology.

Temporary occlusion of the left renal artery for 0-180 min after contralateral nephrectomy was undertaken in 51 rabbits. The correlation between the injury of warm ischaemia and kidney function, survival and histology was evaluated. After 0, 60, 90 and 120 min occlusion, all animals survived and normal renal function was restored. After occlusion for 150 min only 4 of 10 animals survived, and normal renal function was not re-established. 180 min occlusion was detrimental to the animals. Only one out of ten survived with severely damaged kidney function. Histological findings were consistent with the experimental observations of renal function.