Effects of abdominal cavity seawater perfusion on electrolyte and hemodynamics in rabbits

Abstract

Objective To investigate effects of abdominal cavity seawater perfusion on serum electrolyte concentration and hemodynamics in rabbits. Methods Ten healthy New Zealand rabbits were used for the experiment. Incisions of the abdominal cavity were made in right upper and middle epigastria. Artificial seawater perfusion and draining were performed simultaneously to simulate seawater immersion. Changes in serum electrolyte concentration,blood pressure and heart rate were observed both before and after abdominal cavity seawater perfusion. Results Blood pressure and heart rate decreased significantly following abdominal cavity seawater perfusion,but no serious arrhythmia was noted. Concentrations of serum sodium,potassium and magnesium increased significantly,when they were compared with that before perfusion. Multiple correlation analysis indicated that changes in blood pressure and heart rate were inversely correlated with changes in serum potassium and magnesium （P 〈 0. 01 ）,whereas changes in blood pressure and heart rate were positively correlated with serum sodium （ P 〈 0. 01 ）. Conclusions Abdominal cavity seawater perfusion could induce severe disturbance of hemodynamics and electrolytes. Hyperpotassemia and hypermagnesemia might be the culprit for the decrease of blood pressure and heart rate. And this animal model could be used for the evaluation of effects of electrolytes on hemodynamics following seawater perfusion. Key words: Seawater perfusion ; Hemodynamics ; Electrolytes ; Hyperpotassemia; Hypermagnesemia