Effects of isotonic fluid load on plasma water and extracellular fluid volumes in the rat.

An isotonic fluid load was given to rats by infusing 12 ml saline i.v. in 60 min. The plasma water and extracellular fluid volumes of the whole animal and selected tissues were subsequently studied with 125I human serum albumin and 51Cr EDTA. The fluid infused was equivalent to 130% of the plasma water volume. The total extracellular fluid volume increased by 17%, while the total plasma water measured with RIHSA remained unchanged. The regional extracellular fluid volumes increased in the lung (14%), the gastric fundus (15%), large intestine (21%) and skin (28%). The results illustrate the selective distribution of an isotonic fluid overload, those tissues being effected having high compliances.