Abstract: FRI-02
Sources of Funding: None

Introduction

The experimental studies of Zambercari (1670) showed that unilateral nephrectomy has no impact on the survival of animals. Borelli (1680) presented a revolutionary theory of the kidney acting as a sieve producing a filtrate of blood. However, initial physiology progress in the 18th century was weakened by two main sources of medical science, which opposed experimental studies: Morbid anatomy and Naturphilosophie. Morbid anatomy explained the disease based on clinico-anatomical observation . Naturphilosophie , a major philosophical doctrine in science, proclaimed the laws of nature form the lecturing desk . In the 19th century, function slowly became a measuring unit of physiological studies. Comhaire (1803) observed no urine production after bilateral nephrectomy. Coindet (1820)demonstrated no urine production after bilateral ligation of renal vessels. However, the first true experimental study of kidney function became possible by the progress in chemistry and young Geneva scientists: physician J.L. Prevost and pharmacist's apprentice J.B. Dumas.

Methods

Review of original papers 1670-1825

Results

In 1820, the nature of urea, first marker of the kidney function, was fiercely debated: does it circulates in the blood or produced by the kidney? Prevost and Dumas decided to &[Prime]put an end to the vagueness of accepted ideas and replace it by positive facts&[Prime]. They chose the old model of bilateral nephrectomy but, instead of relying entirely on anatomical and autopsy findings, reinforced it by new quantitative measurement of urea in blood and urine. The experiments took place in a fortification of the Geneva guards between 2-3 AM, since vivisection was prohibited in the city. Initially the researchers confirmed that urea crystals from the blood and urine of the animals were the same . The urea was lower in the blood of control group but doubled in binephrectomised animals. It was concluded that &[Prime]the kidney is only an eliminating surface, it does not produce urea&[Prime]. The study , presented before the Geneva Society of Physics and Natural History on 11/15/1821 , &[Prime]puts an end to all alternative theories&[Prime]. _x000D_

Conclusions

Prevost and Dumas pioneered quantitative experimental renal physiology at a time of triumphant anatomo-clinic and philosophical approach to medical science. Their rigorous landmark study , mostly forgotten, became a model of the future coordinated physiological research using innovative new methods of chemical control. _x000D_ Eventually,serum BUN/Cr became the main clinical test of kidney function.But the foundation for experimental renal physiology was set 196 years ago

Funding

None