THE EFFECTS OF SINGLE LARGE INFUSIONS OF VARIOUS DEXTRAN SOLUTIONS ON HYPOVOLEMIC DOGS

Abstract

Standardized bleeding procedures were carried out on anesthetized dogs. Some animals received no therapy, some infusions of saline, and some received dextran infusions at times that varied from immediately to 3. 5 hours after hemorrhage. With no therapy, 1 of 8 animals survived; with saline infusions, 4 of 13 survived; and with dextran 23 of 24 dogs survived. There was often wound bleeding after dextran; this was not seen in saline treated animals but dextran treated animals recovered rapidly and no other ill-effects were noted. Dextran infusions were quantitatively retained in the circulation for an appreciable time and the volume and pressure of the circulating fluid were effectively restored and maintained. The amount of dextran excreted in urine was inversely related to the mean molecular weight of the infused material and the quantity excreted was the same as that observed in normal animals. The rate of disappearance of dextran by other than the renal route did not vary with the mean molecular weight, and indicated that the dextran molecule is catabolized at from 4. 9 to 8. 6 mg/hour/kg body weight. About 50% of total plasma proteins of animals was lost by the hemorrhage and was replaced, after dextran infusions, within 4 days. There was no evidence, after dextran infusions, of dextran storage in kidney, spleen, or liver.