Ascites formation without sodium intake in dogs with thoracic inferior vena cava constriction and in dogs with right-sided congestive heart failure.

Abstract

Dogs were subjected to constriction of the thoracic inferior vena cava or main pulmonary artery and were deprived of food for a period of 4 days thereafter. In association with a high venous pressure, 60% of the dogs formed ascites despite the absence of Na intake. Measurements of T-1824 dye space provided evidence that plasma volume was not increased. An increase in urinary excretion of aldosterone was associated with a markedly reduced urinary Na excretion. The data are interpreted as supporting the concept that elevated venous pressure initiates edema formation in congestive heart failure and that renal Na retention occurs as a secondary phenomenon.