Eclampsia-like Syndrome Occurring in Pregnant Dogs and Rabbits Following Renal Artery Constriction

Liver lesions in the experimental animal resembling those seen in eclampsia have been reported by several investigators, and associated renal injury has been noted following the injection of Vasopressin. 1

Greene 2 has reported spontaneous eclampsia occurring in the rabbit, demonstrating liver lesions in a large number of animals. The spontaneous disease in sheep and guinea pigs has also been reported. In no instance, to our knowledge, has anything comparable to the spontaneous eclamptic complex with its anatomical lesions been produced experimentally.

We wish to record our observations on the rapidly fatal course and pathological findings in pregnant dogs and pregnant rabbits following constriction of the renal arteries. The suggestive significance of pregnancy as a factor in the fatal effect of renal arterial constriction is emphasized by the remarkable rapid recovery of animals if they are delivered.

Eight pregnant mongrel dogs from the stock colony were used for the experimental procedure. All animals were in good condition at the beginning of the experiment and were maintained in the animal quarters on routine stock diet.

Renal artery clamps modeled after the Goldblatt 3 clamp were applied in such a manner as to produce minimal to moderate constriction of the renal arteries in the pregnant animals, A single renal artery clamp was applied on about the 15th and 20th day before the probable date of delivery in 2 pregnant dogs. The second clamp was applied approximately 10 days later. In 6 pregnant dogs 2 renal artery clamps were applied simultaneously, 2 to 30 days before the expected date of delivery. Periodic blood pressure determinations were obtained by direct arterial puncture. Qualitative urinary examination and blood determinations for N. P. N. and uric acid were made at intervals. Complete autopsies were performed immediately after death except in 2 instances in which there was a delay of more than 4 hours. Two dogs were sacrificed by administration of illuminating gas through inhalation.