A Comparison of Effects of Morphine and Barbital on Volume Distribution of Potassium

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Abstract
When disappearance of the P wave is used as a criterion for cessation of K infusion, dogs anesthetized with morphine Na pentobarbital show a smaller vol. of distr. of K than do dogs anesthetized with Na barbital. When disappearance of the P wave is used as a criterion in dogs anesthetized with Na barbital, and appearance of atrioventricular block as a criterion in dogs anesthetized with morphine-Na pentobarbital, the vols. of distr. of K in the 2 groups are similar. When morphine-pentobarbital is used, less KC1 can be infused and less K is taken up by the tissues than when Na barbital is used. These differences are attributed to the effects of the 2 anesthetics on vagal tone.