Effect of exogenous thyroxin on renal ion-regulating and acid-secreting functions in white rats

Experimental hyperthyreosis was stimulated by intraventricular injections of sodium solithyroxin (T4) suspension on 1% starch gel during 10 days at a dose of 10 microg/100 g of body mass (n = 15) or 20 microg/100 g of body mass (n = 15). Renal function was tested by 5 % water loading after 24 hrs. since the last T4 injection. Urine and blood plasma samples were analyzed for creatinine; in addition, urine was analyzed for sodium and potassium ions of titrated acids, ammonium cations, and pH. Thyroxin was found to decrease creatinine clearance and expedite renal excretion of sodium and potassium ions irrespective of the amount of exogenous T4; at the same time, exaggerated excretion of titrated acids and ammonium cations correlated with T4 dose.     

The diminished efficiency and altered dynamics of respiration in experimental pulmonary congestion

Quantitative measurements of the relative efficiency of respiration in the normal lung, as contrasted with the congested lung, have not been made in the intact experimental animal. In 1934 Christie and Meakins,¹ utilizing simultaneous determinations of dynamic intrapleural pressure and of tidal exchange in patients with congestive heart failure, demonstrated a marked decrease in pulmonary distensibility. With appropriate treatment, distensibility was found to increase as the patient improved. In the present study, an approach similar to that of these authors has been used, and studies of the efficiency of respiration have been made on normal dogs at rest and during hyperpnea (produced by the inhalation of carbon dioxide) and contrasted with the relative efficiency of respiration after pulmonary congestion induced by rapid venous infusion. With this approach, a quantitative comparison of the work necessary to achieve a given amount of tidal exchange has been possible in an animal with normal lungs and in the same animal after severe pulmonary congestion. From measurements of tidal exchange, ventilation, and intrapleural pressure fluctuations, a representation of the dynamic changes in these factors during progressive pulmonary congestion has been obtained.