THE RED CELL AND PLASMA VOLUMES OF THE RAT AND OF ITS INDIVIDUAL TISSUES AND ORGANS DURING ACCLIMATION TO COLD
Abstract
The red cell and plasma volumes of the total rat and of its individual tissues and organs were determined for animals exposed to 5 C for four hours, 24 hours, two weeks, and six weeks. In addition, the tissue hematocrits were determined. These values were compared to those of rats kept at 24 C. - labeled erythrocytes and albumin were given intravenously and allowed to mix; the rats were then frozen in liquid nitrogen. The organs and tissues were removed in the frozen state, assayed for radioactivity, and blood cell and plasma volumes were calculated on a unit weight basis. Changes in blood cell and plasma volumes were observed for the total rat and for many of the individual organs. There was a significant increase in the red cell content of the total rat within 24 hours of cold exposure. After six weeks, the total blood volume was increased by approximately 20% over the control level, and the increase in erythrocyte volume was slightly more than the increase in plasma volume. The hematocrit of heart blood was 44.8 after six weeks exposure as compared to 41.5 for controls. In general, it can be said that the somatic parts of the body showed increases in blood volume whereas the visceral parts had decreased volumes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0275870
Entities
People
- Lorna Matson
- Newton B. Everett
Organizations
- University of Washington