EXPERIMENTAL FREEZING SHOCK

Abstract

The thermal injury due to freezing causes the loss of large amounts of protein-containing fluid at the site of thawing tissues; this was demonstrated by Harkins and associates.¹ This fluid is derived from the circulating blood plasma, and its loss is accompanied by the development of shock. Mahoney² has demonstrated that a similar type of shock results from cooling of peritoneal surfaces. In these respects thermal injuries due to freezing and burns resemble each other closely. In a recent book the clinical applications of these observations have been reemphasized by Harkins.³ Sir Thomas Lewis⁴ described the damage to capillaries, the development of edema and other changes following frostbite. In attempting to produce a pronounced diminution in the blood volume of experimental animals due solely to the loss of plasma from the vascular system, we have found that a modification of Harkins' freezing technic is reliable, consistent