Early Changes in Distribution of Sodium, Potassium and Water in Rabbit Muscles Following Release of Tourniquets

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The water and electrolyte compositions of the gastrocnemius and anterior tibial muscles of rabbits were detd. 2 hrs. after release of tourniquets applied to one hind leg for periods of 1-4 hrs. The amount of edema was directly related to the duration of ischemia. After 3- or 4-hr. occlusion the gastrocnemius contained Na in excess of that expected on the basis of addition of extra-cellular fluid. In these expts. such "excess sodium" could be largely accounted for as an exchange of intracellular K for Na. Increases in muscle Na 2 hrs. after release of tourniquets applied for 3 hrs. or less did not exceed 12 m[image]/100 g. of fat-free dry tissue. Tourniquets left on for 3-4 hrs. led to accumulation of 30-35 m[image] of Na per 100 g. of fat-free dry tissue. K losses in the above expts. were -3 and -8 m[image]/100 g. of fat-free dry tissue, respectively. Incision of the sheath of the anterior tibial muscle permitted greater swelling to occur; application of casts decreased the edema in the gastrocnemius. These mechanical alterations in muscle swelling did not change the situation with respect to accumulation of excess Na.