MAINTENANCE OF ADRENALECTOMIZED DOGS WITH LOW PLASMA VOLUMES AND NORMAL ELECTROLYTE PATTERNS.

Abstract

SummaryAdrenalectomized dogs upon recovery from the severe convulsions following Metrazol injection can be maintained active and vigorous 8–12 days with low plasma volumes but with normal electrolyte patterns. This is accomplished by daily i.v. injections of desoxycorticosterone or aldosterone, a low Na diet and allowing access to water. The plasma volume falls immediately after Metrazol averaging 35.2% below preinjection levels and persists at low values. The mean arterial pressure slowly declines eventually necessitating administration of glucocorticoids. The plasma volume fall occurs so rapidly that fluid loss to the exterior must be ruled out as a cause for the low volumes. Shift of water into cells evidently does not take place since the plasma electrolytes, after an initial marked rise, rapidly decline to preinjection levels. The convulsant drug apparently induces intense vasoconstriction, evidently closing large areas of the microcirculation, trapping and pooling substantial quantities of blood at ...