STUDIES IN EDEMA : IV. THE INFLUENCE OF CALCIUM CHLORIDE, ADRENALIN, MYOCARDITIS AND NEPHRECTOMY UPON THE DILUTION OF BLOOD DURING INTRAVENOUS INJECTION OF SODIUM CHLORIDE SOLUTION.

1. As a result of the intravenous infusion of a solution of sodium chloride a characteristic curve indicating the fluid retained in the vascular system is obtained. In the first period of the infusion the maximum of retention of fluid is noted. Then more fluid is removed from the blood vessels, so that for a short time a fall in the curve of dilution takes place, after which the dilution again slowly increases. 2. This curve is not materially changed by the addition of calcium chloride or of adrenalin to the infused solution, and under such conditions adrenalin does not lead to an increased pressing out of fluid from the vascular system, although is causes a constant and decided rise in blood pressure. Myocarditic lesions lead to an increased intravascular retention of fluid. Nephrectomy does not lead to an increased intravascular retention of fluid, but probably causes a diminution of the amount of fluid retained in the blood vessels.