THE EFFECT OF HYPERTHERMIA ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF WATER AND ELECTROLYTES IN BRAIN, MUSCLE AND LIVER 1

Abstract

The distribution of water and electrolytes in brain, muscle and liver of normal cats and cats in which hyperthermia was mechanically produced, was studied by the method descr. by Harrison, Darrow and Yannet (Jour. Biol. Chem., 113: 515. 1936). The following results were obtained: In the brain, hyperthermia results in a redistribution of water, involving a shift of water from cells to the extracellular fluid, without change in total water. The shift of water is unaccompanied by loss of intracellular K, N or P. The concns. of these substances, therefore, are increased in the cells, while the concns. of Na and chloride in the extracellular fluid remain unchanged. The above changes in the brain could be demonstrated in the animals that convulsed as well as those not convulsing as a result of hyperthermia. The same changes could be demonstrated in both young and older animals exposed to hyperthermia. No significant changes could be demonstrated in liver or muscle as a result of hyperthermia.