Cardiovascular Changes Induced by Rapid Expansion of the Extracellular Fluid

SummaryThe intravenous infusion of 1100 to 1600 cc of a modified Locke's solution at rates of 140 to 220 cc/min. in dogs causes only a transient increase in venous and arterial pressure and pulse rate. These values usually return to control levels within half an hour. Plasma and blood volume as measured by changes in plasma protein concentration and hematocrit are increased markedly at first, but return to within 20% of control values 70 minutes after the infusion.These systemic changes do not coincide in time with the increase in filtration rate and renal plasma flow induced by such infusions, and it is concluded that the changes in renal function cannot be attributed to them.