Experimental Hypochloremia.

Abstract

Hypochloremia is associated with a number of morbid conditions occurring spontaneously or produced experimentally. We have produced it by perfusing distilled water or other chloride free fluids through the peritoneal cavity of rabbits. Dialysis readily occurs through the peritoneal membrane. 1 , 2 , 3 When distilled water is injected intraperitoneally in rabbits a high percent of chlorides is rapidly deviated from the blood stream and the blood chloride falls. 4

In 8 experiments distilled water at body temperature was perfused through the peritoneal cavity at the rate of 500 cc. per hour. Within an hour the respiratory rate increases and localized fibrillary twitchings appear. These become more generalized, and are followed by clonic and tonic convulsons of increasing severity. Spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm occur, and the animals die after 2 to 5 hours of perfusion. The blood chloride gradually falls, and a marked hypochloremia, as low as 118 mg. per 100 cc., results. The CO₂ combining power of the plasma falls. There is a moderate rise in the N. P. N., and a slight elevation of the urea. The secretion of urine soon diminishes and finally completely ceases. Hypoglycemia does not occur during the development of the symptoms and lethal effect. The addition of 0.12% glucose to the perfusion water in 7 other experiments had no notably beneficial influence.

The perfusion of Ringer's solution with glucose by the same methods resulted in no muscular twitchings or convulsions. These animals were alive and in good condition when the experiments were terminated at the end of 8 or 9 hours. The blood chloride was slightly elevated. There was a continuous secretion of urine, or even a diuresis.

When 0.9% pure sodium chloride, with or without glucose, was perfused, the animals were without symptoms and were readily kept alive for from 8 to 10 hours.