FACTORS DETERMINING VOLUNTARY INGESTION OF WATER IN NORMALS AND IN INDIVIDUALS WITH MAXIMUM DIABETES INSIPIDUS

Abstract

The voluntary water intake of normal animals and humans was found to be a function of surface area rather than of body wt. The av. daily water intake per sq. m. body surface varied from 1,050 cc. to 1,238 cc. (av. 1,142 cc.) in rats, cats, dogs, monkeys, and humans. A max. output level was obtained in rats with diabetes insipidus which could not be further increased by forcing large quantities of water. The av. daily intake per kgm. body wt. was approximately 1,000 cc. for rats and humans with max. diabetes insipidus, but slightly lower in the cats, dogs, and monkeys used, undoubtedly because in these animals a max. diuresis has not yet been obtained due to incomplete removal or inactivation of post. lobe tissue.