THE PRODUCTION OF EXPERIMENTAL POLYCYTHEMIA BY THE DAILY ADMINISTRATION OF EPINEPHRINE OR POSTERIOR PITUITARY SOLUTION

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Abstract
The daily subcut. adm. of 0.5-2.0 units of post. pituitary soln. to 4 normal and 2 splenectomized rabbits caused significant increases in their erythrocyte numbers within 9-14 days. One splenectomized and 2 normal dogs also showed significant polycythemias after the subcut. adm. of 5-10 units of post. pituitary soln., daily, for 10-17 days. The daily subcut. inj. of 0.1-0.3 mg. of epinephrine hydrochloride into 3 normal and 2 splenectomized rabbits resulted in gradual increases in their erythrocyte counts which became maximal after 12-18 days. One splenectomized and 2 normal dogs also developed significant polycythemias within about 15 days following the onset of daily injs. of 0.5-1.5 mg. of epinephrine hydrochloride. These results are explained by assuming that epinephrine and post. pituitary cause increased erythro-poiesis by inducing a local hypoxia of bone marrow. This is presumably accomplished through reduction of the blood supply to the marrow as a result of the vasoconstrictor action of these drugs.

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