Residual blood volumes in organs of pregnant mice and fetuses.

The supernatant solutions of homogenates of organs of pregnant mice and fetuses on day 14 and 17 of gestation were measured for hemoglobin (Hb) content after a maximal blood extraction at sacrifice. Residual blood volumes of the organs and fetuses were calculated from the Hb contents and blood Hb concentrations. The greatest value was found for the spleen and the lowest for the brain. The residual blood volumes of the uterus, placenta and fetuses on day 17 were greater than on day 14 of gestation.