THE IMPORTANCE OF VOLUME AND OF TONICITY OF THE BODY FLUIDS IN SALT DEPLETION SHOCK 1

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Abstract
Hypotonicity of body fluids was produced in 3 nephrec-tomized dogs by the infusion of glucose soln. Changes in the electrolyte and water content of plasma, extracellular fluid, and of cells were calculated and alterations in the hemo-dynamics (cardiac output, circulation velocity, and mean arterial pressure) were measured. The extracellular vol. was expanded and, despite the hypotonicity, the circulatory efficiency was unimpaired or improved. In 2 other animals, salt depletion shock was produced. Subsequently, a diuresis was induced by intraven. urea soln. and the hypotonicity which resulted from the salt depletion was corrected. The extracellular fluid vol. declined further, however, and, despite the restoration of isotonicity, the cardiovascular function did not improve. Within certain limits, both tonicity and extracellular vol. condition the development of salt depletion shock.