THE INFLUENCE OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM ON THE SECRETION OF URINE

When nerves supplying the kidneys are sectioned or stimulated, changes in the flow of urine and in the output of its various constituents are likely to occur. These phenomena, long known, have been interpreted by some investigators to indicate a specific influence of the nervous system on the secretory function of the kidneys. Perhaps the most definite assumption in this respect relates to the splanchnic nerves, to which a specific secreto-inhibitory influence has at times been ascribed. When the renal nerves are cut on one side a larger volume of urine flows from the kidney involved. This manifestation, together with alterations in the relative proportions of urinary constituents, has led certain observers to conclude that the changes cannot be explained solely as the result of vasomotor changes; hence they must be attributable to effects directly on the renal cells. Several years ago, Asher and Pearce¹ believed that they had