Absorption of Water and Chloride (Rat)

Abstract

Rats were sacrificed at intervals to . study .alimentary and intraperitoneal absorption. The walls of the alimentary tract showed appreciable swelling when water [center dot] was placed in the stomach. Passage along the tract, which was analysed in 3 segments, depended on the concns. of NaCl in the soln. given. For equal excess of water to gain access to the body from the alimentary tract and the peritoneal cavity, more water had to be administered by the latter route. Water withdrew more Cl from the body. Hypertonic saline when placed in either alimentary tract or peritoneal cavity drew large volumes of body water into it before absorption of salt became appreciable. Adaptation was not found in absorption of the doses of water that were tested when rats were previously subjected to excesses of water at either site of admn.