Effect of Nembutal on circulating and tissue blood volumes and hematocrits of intact and splenectomized mice

Abstract

The effect of Nembutal on the circulating and tissue blood volumes and hematocrits was calculated by means of independent determinations of plasma and red cell volumes. Nembutal produced an increase in circulating blood volume accompanied by a reduction in the venous hematocrit. The blood volumes of liver, kidney, spleen and intestine rose following the administration of Nembutal, while the hematocrits of liver, lung, intestine and muscle declined, and that of kidney rose. The administration of Nembutal to splenectomized mice produces similar changes. The relationship of these alterations to changes in periphero-vascular tone are discussed.