Abstract
Summary and Conclusions
The redistribution of potassium and sodium in anterior tibial muscles of adult rabbits was investigated at different times after cold injury. The pathological changes were observed simultaneously by means of routine histological technics. Six hours after injury, an extensive necrosis in muscle tissue was observed with a simultaneous released of potassium from injured cells. The loss of potassium was progressive and parallel to the breakdown and subsequent disintegration of the cells during the 48-hour experiment. Conversely, the injured tissue progressively gained sodium despite the diminishing edema fluid. An increase of potassium and a decrease of sodium concentration in injured muscle tissues were observed. These event indicate the exchange of intracellular potassium for sodium in injured tissues. The variations in the electrolyte redistribution in injured tissues may be due to such factors as re-establishment of adequate circulation, protein content of edema fluid and ability of uninjured cells to absorb the additional potassium. The severity of the injury is apparently directly related to the electrolyte changes.
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