Effect of Salt Depletion and Fasting on Water Exchange in the Rabbit

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Abstract
Sixteen normal albino rabbits were used to study the effect of salt depletion and food deprivation on water intake and urinary output. The depletion of extracellular electrolytes was carried out by intraperitoneal dialysis method. All the animals were depressed in general behavior and water drinking during the first 24 hours after dialysis. The plasma chloride level and the plasma volume of the salt depleted animals were reduced. The plasma protein concentration was elevated. In 11 salt-depleted animals all but one showed the syndrome of polydipsia and polyuria either in the 1st or in the 2d salt depletion experiment. The effect of simple fasting was studied on 8 animals. All of them showed a gradual decrease in plasma chloride and Na concentration. Four animals increased their water intake and urinary output similar to that observed during salt depletion.