Abstract
The author has performed a great many infusion experiments, in which sodium chloride solutions of various concentrations, i. e. 0.4, 0.5, 1.5, 2.0 and 5.0%, as well as distilled water, were infused under the skin of rabbits at a rate of about 5 or 10 cc. per kilogram per minute until they died. The following are the facts thus obtained.
The fatal infusion quantities of a salt solution, the concentration of which varies from 0.4 to 2.0%, show no differences from those of the physiological salt solution. They are markedly diminished, however, in a 5% salt solution, and more markedly in water, although the decrease as compared with that in the intravenous infusion is considerably small.
The total amount of urine excreted during the infusion is greatest with a 1.5% salt solution. With either increase or decrease of this concentration the excretion of urine becomes more and more diminished, and with water at last anuria occurs. With the infusion of a 0.4% salt solution and water haemoglobinuria is proved.
The blood pressure rises, in general, with the infusion of a hypotonic salt solution, while with a very concentrated salt solution, such as 5%, a marked fall is seen. Pulsefrequency is more or less abated in all cases of these infusions. With a hypotonic solution respiration becomes quicker and deeper, while the reverse result is obtained with a hypertonic. Convulsions, also, are brought about by the latter solution.
The most striking fact in the autopsy is the gelatinous swelling of the subcutaneous tissues, due to the extremely intense oedema. A remarkable oedema is found in the muscular tissues also. Considerable stagnation in the thoracic and abdominal organs and, after infusion of a hypertonic solution, in the subcutaneous tissues and hemorrhages in the lungs are proved. When water is infused the subcutaneous tissues and the peritoneal fluid are found tinged with red.
