Studies of the Renal Circulation with Radioxenon: Possibilities and Limitations

Abstract

The kidney is a highly vascularized organ, which receives 20–25% of the cardiac output. About 80% of its blood-supply passes through the outer cortex, while the remainder perfuses subcortical and medullary regions. Quantitative information about the blood-flow to and in the kidney is essential for a good comprehension of renal function in health and disease. In particular, this applies to those situations where a reduction in kidney flow causes or perhaps maintains en elevated blood-pressure.