Stress of Fasting and Realimentation as Reflected in the Capillary Resistance and Eosinophile Count

Abstract

The effect of prolonged fasting and realimentation on the capillary resistance and circulating eosinophils of dogs and rats was studied. When dogs were subjected to a prolonged fast there was a progressive rise in capillary resistance and a fall in circulating eosinophilis. Realimentation of fasted dogs with luxus consumption diets high in carbohydrate tended to maintain the fasting levels of capillary resistance and eosinophils. Realimentation of fasted dogs with luxus consumption diets high in protein, either initially or subsequent to a diet high in carbohydrate, caused a rapid return of capillary resistance to control level. The rise of the eosinophils was slower, often with marked initial overshooting. In the albino rat, capillary resistance increased during the fasting period, dropped to pathologically low levels upon realimentation, remained there for various lengths of time and, finally returned to normal. The number of eosinophils changed inversely with the capillary resistance. These changes are similar to those found previously following various other forms of stress in the rat. In contrast to the dog the realimenting diet (high in protein or in carbohydrate) did not influence the described capillary response in the rat.