THE REACTION OF CHRONIC SPINAL ANIMALS TO HEMORRHAGE

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Abstract
Spinal and decapitate cats can compensate for hemorrhages of 10-25% of their total blood volume. This compensatory ability is largely due to activity of the sympatho-adrenal system. The activity of the sympatho-adrenal system is attested by a posthemorrhage vasoconstriction, a contraction of the nictitating membrane, a decrease in the clotting time of the blood and a rise in blood sugar level. Removal of lateral sympathetic chains and adrenal medulla abolished these compensatory responses. Cutting the dorsal roots of the isolated thoraco-lumbar cord does not abolish the ability of the spinal animal to compensate and the blood pressure quickly returns to its normal level after a hemorrhage. Cutting the ventral roots in addition abolishes the compensatory activity. The origin of this response is in the cord.

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