Some Metabolic Changes Occurring in Prolonged Diathermy Treatments.

Abstract

Studies on the respiratory exchange and the sugar, non-protein nitrogen, chlorides and carbon dioxide content of blood, were made on anesthetized (morphine + amytal) dogs. Tracheotomy was done and connection made to a Benedict universal apparatus. Blood analyses were done by standard methods. The high frequency current had the following characteristics: wave length—200 meters, relatively high voltage, currents from 500 to 1000 milliamperes. Electrodes were placed on the left upper arm and right thigh, or on either side of the head. Treatment continued from 1 to 3 hours. Temperature measurements were made with thermocouples and mercury thermometers.

The respiratory metabolism invariably increased—in some cases 150%. Body temperatures were elevated 5 to 7°C. When blood sugar was initially relatively high there was a gradual depletion during diathermy; in cases of low initial concentrations a preliminary rise was noted followed by a fall. The end result was a marked hypoglycemia (30 to 50 mg. per 100 cc. blood). Non-protein nitrogen was in some cases increased to 200% of normal. Chlorides failed to exhibit any gross changes. The carbon dioxide content of whole blood and of plasma invariably dropped to a rather low level (about 35 vol. %). Panting was induced in some animals, during which time the respiratory rate exceeded 250 per minute.