Distribution of solutions in cardiectomized frogs with destroyed or inactive lymph hearts

Abstract

It has been assumed, in various communications from this laboratory, 1 that the distribution of solutions in cardiectomized frogs takes place by way of a peripheral mechanism. Abel, 2 stated later emphatically that this distribution occurs by the pumping activities of the anterior lymph hearts, stating himself, at the same time, that it would be impossible for the posterior lymph hearts to accomplish such an effect. In opposition to Abel's statement, we demonstrated a year ago, 3 at a meeting of this society, that strychnin is capable of producing convulsions in cardiectomized frogs from which the anterior lymph hearts were previously removed. In a recent paper by Abel, 4 he admits the correctness of our contention that strychnin, etc., may become effective even in cardiectomized frogs without anterior lymph hearts. But now he assumes that the distribution is carried on by the posterior lymph hearts through some delicate collateral vessels. He is again emphatic in his denial of the possibility of distribution through a peripheral mechanism.

In the last few months we have made several series of experiments on completely eviscerated frogs from which all the four lymph hearts were positively excluded. Thoroughly eviscerated frogs in which in addition the four lymph hearts are especially destroyed, are exposed to extreme shock, which profoundly affects the nervous system. Nevertheless, we have observed in a goodly number of these animals the definite appearance of characteristic tetanic convulsions or of unmistakable hyperesthesia after injections of strychnin.

In another series of cardiectomized frogs which were left on ice for several days, adrenalin was injected into the thigh in doses from I mg. to 0.1 mg. In all of these cases definite dilatation of the pupils was obtained-a well-known characteristic reaction to adrenalin.