FLUID LOSS IN RATS WITH TOURNIQUET SHOCK 1

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Abstract
Fluid loss was studied in rats following release of a high unilateral torniquet applied to a hind limb for about 5 hrs. This procedure produced fatal shock in 92% of the animals in 24 hrs. The method used to study the quantity of fluid loss into the injured extremity was detd. by bisection of the animal at various time intervals following release of the tourniquet. The fluid lost amts. to 2.1% of the body wt. 15 min. after release, and to 2.8, 3.4, 4.2 and 4.8% of the body wt. 30 mins., 1, 2, and 3 hrs., respectively, after release. The magnitude and rapidity of fluid loss adequately explains the origin of shock. Withdrawal of whole blood in comparable amt. and at the same rate results in shock. The development of shock is accompanied by marked hemoconcn. The greatest rate of increase in hematocrit occurred during the first 1/4 hr. after removal of the tourniquet, corresponding to the period of most rapid fluid loss. The rate of increase in serum creatine values was greatest in the first two 15 min. periods following removal of the tourniquet. Increase in serum creatine is associated with chemical decomposition of muscle. The total protein of the edema fluid was approx. 68-80% of the corresponding level in the blood serum. The serum protein showed no significant change. Morphologic study of rats dead of tourniquet shock revealed generalized hyperemia of viscera involving capillaries and venules. Capillary hemorrhages are rare and widespread tissue edema does not occur.