Abstract
Previous work done by several investigators has shown that the administration of certain solutions may result in prolongation of life beyond the usual period in epinephrectomized animals. Stewart and Rogoff 1 , working on dogs, report that intravenous injections of Ringer's Solution and dextrose prolonged life. Zwemer 2 , working on cats, in this laboratory, was able to keep double operated animals alive for considerable periods by administering orally 5 per cent solution of glucose. This work suggested the possibility that forcing fluids containing various substances might prove beneficial in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency. Zwemer and Swingle have noted and commented upon the symptoms of dehydration which appear after bilateral epinephrectomy in cats, and, the fact that animals, presenting marked symptoms, eagerly drink large quantities of water up to within a few hours of death.
The procedure followed in the present work was to remove the left adrenal and after a lapse of 5 to 10 days extirpate the remaining glands. Untreated cats subjected to this procedure generally survived about 60 hours. The solutions were given by stomach tube, beginning immediately after the second operation. None of the animals employed were pregnant.
Ringer's Solution definitely prolonged life, the average survival period of animals receiving it being 174 hours. Doubling the percentage of the constituents of Ringer's Solution did not materially prolong the life span.
Sodium chloride given in 1 per cent solution prolonged life, the average life span of animals so treated being 149 hours.
Sodium bicarbonate likewise increased the life span, the average being 143.3 hours for animals treated with it.
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