THE RELATION BETWEEN BLOOD OSMOTIC PRESSURE AND INSENSIBLE WEIGHT LOSS

Abstract

Rabbits were weighed in snug wire-mesh cages on a chainomatic balance. Osmotic pressure of the blood was determined according to A. V. Hill''s method. Either 5% NaCl (35 cc./kgm.) or water (75 cc./kgm.) were given by stomach tube. The hypertonic salt increased the osmotic pressure by about 20%. The water reduced it by about 10%. Increased blood osmotic pressure decreased insensible loss 20-50% while decreased blood osmotic pressure increased insensible loss at least 40%. Temp. of fluid given and of environment were both rigidly controlled. The former should be about 25[degree] C. Environmental temp. increase from 21 to 26[degree] C. may double the insensible loss.