CHEMICAL CHANGES IN THE BLOOD DURING FASTING AND SUBSEQUENT REFEEDING

Abstract

The electrolyte composition of the blood of fasting dogs is maintained with remarkable tenacity showing little alteration even in the course of protracted inanition. The striking changes usually appear in the more advanced stages of starvation. There is no difference in this respect between dogs fasting with or without water. The serum chlorides in the advanced state diminish, and this is usually associated with a more or less pronounced rise in the bicarbonate content of the plasma. It is suggested that this may possibly be due to a toxicosis developing at that stage. The effect is not caused by any degenerative process since it disappears after a few days of renewed feeding. Ca likewise undergoes considerable diminution in the course of inanition; this may be accounted for by a change in the globulin/ albumin ratio in the serum. Changes in the Na, K, Mg, P and Co2 at different stages of fasting and refeeding are also discussed.