Production of Polycythemia in Rabbits by Anoxia and Cobalt. ∗

Abstract

Conclusion

Polycythemia can be rapidly induced in rabbits by exposure to altitudes of 20,000 feet 16 hours a day, 5 days a week. It would appear that there is no additive effect when cobalt injections are combined with the altitude exposure.

There may be 2 stages in the development of polycythemia. The first phase is characterized by a normal whole blood volume with a subnormal plasma volume. The second phase shows a normal rate of increase in plasma volume with a further increase in whole blood volume.

Subcutaneous cobalt injections slowly induce polycythemia in rabbits but they are accompanied by anorexia, sterile abscesses and other symptoms of toxic effects.