Experimental infusion thrombophlebitis. Importance of the infusion rate.

The importance of the method of administration of acid glucose infusions for the venous inflammatory response has been investigated in two series of experimental trials. 60 ml of 5% glucose solution was administered into rabbit-ear veins in three ways: 1) continuously over 5 hours (slow infusion), 2) continuously over 1 hour (rapid infusion), 3) discontinuously during 2 X 30 minutes with an interval of 4 hours (discontinuous infusion). Microscopical examination of the veins revealed that the inflammatory changes were less pronounced after rapid and discontinuous infusions than after slow infusions.