THE RELATIVE REACTION WITHIN LIVING MAMMALIAN TISSUES

Abstract

The changes in blood reaction caused by the injection into a vein of a weak solution of hydrochloric acid are accompanied by extravascular changes of similar magnitude within the subcutaneous tissue. Under the conditions of prolonged general anesthesia with ether or urethane the circulation to this tissue is so interfered with that an "outlying acidosis" may develop in addition to the acidosis immediately consequent on the blood state. Even under the best of circumstances the extravascular acidosis induced with hydrochloric acid affects not merely the tissue fluid but the reaction of the tissue itself. Rabbits in which a widespread extravascular acidosis has been produced, together with a blood acidosis as severe as is compatible with life, remain in good condition during the relatively long period over which this state of affairs persists. There is at no time any sign of capillary dilatation, though the vessels are bathed in relatively add fluid, and none of shock. No edema develops in the acidotic tissues, and the animals void large amounts of urine. The tissue acidosis lessens pari passu with that of the blood.