The effect of brain death on kidney function was evaluated using tissue K+/Na+ ratios obtained from kidney slices. Brain ischemia or death resulted in reduced tissue K+/Na+ ratios (reduced renal slice function) whether the animals were maintained hypovolemic or normovolemic with intravenous (IV) fluid and dobutamine therapy. Storage of kidney slices in ice for 24 hours after the agonal period was deleterious to kidney slice function in all groups studied, resulting in significant loss of function. Hormonal therapy using triiodothyronine (T3), insulin, and cortisol during the agonal period resulted in significantly improved renal slice function in both stored and unstored kidney slices.
