THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRAUMATIC SHOCK AND THE RELEASE OF ADENYLIC ACID COMPOUNDS

Abstract

-Recently developed micromethods which make use of differential ultraviolet spectroscopy were used to measure the conc. of adenosine compounds in blood plasma following the injn. of depressor amts. of these compounds and during traumatic shock. The presence of 2-5 mg. % of 3-adenylic acid or of about 1 rag. % of 5-adenylic acid in the blood plasma, resulting from the injn. of these compounds, was accompanied by a distinct lowering of blood pressure in the dog. 5-Adenylic disappeared more rapidly than 3-adenylic acid from the blood stream. It was possible to lessen the depressor effects of adenosine compounds by the injn. of adenosine deaminase, adenyl pyrophosphatase and alkaline phosphatase. These enzymes retained their activity in the circulating plasma for at least 1 hr. after injn. Although adenosine compounds could be demonstrated in the plasma coming from the injured limbs of shocked animals, the conc. in the plasma of the peripheral circulation was too low to account for the hypotension, and the injn. of enzymes to inactivate possible adenosine compounds did not increase the blood pressure.