Vl. THE INFLUENCE OF ADRENALIN ON ABSORPTION FROM THE PERITONEAL CAVITYj WITH SOME REMARKS ON THE INFLU- ENCE OF CALCIUM CHLORIDE ON ABSORPTION. 1 BY MOYER

In some earlier papers (I , 2, 3) on the production of peritoneal transudates in rabbits by the intravenous infusion of large quantities of sodium chloride solution or of mixtures of a sodium chloride and calcium chloride solution, or of these solutions with the addition of adrenalin, we found that both calcium chloride and adrenalin increased the amount of peritoneal transudate. We pointed out that the increased amount of peritoneal transudate could be due to two conditions, namely, either an actual increase in the transudation under the influence of these substances, or a decrease in the rapidity of absorption of fluid from the peritoneal cavity, or to a combination of these factors. It was, therefore, necessary for us to determine the influence of adrenalin and calcium chloride on absorption. We used the following method of experimentation: we injected definite quantities of 0.85 per cent. sodium chloride solution, warmed to body temperature, into the peritoneal cavity of rabbits, by means of a syringe and needle, especial care being taken not to injure the intestines. In the individual experiments concerning the influence of calcium chloride, the amounts of fluid injected into the peritoneal cavity varied between I IO and 15 ° cubic centimeters. However, in all experiments relating to the influence of adrenalin on absorption, 12o cubic centimeters of 0.85 per cent. sodium chloride solution were injected. After the injection of the fluid, and during the period of the experiment, the rabbit was in no way restrained, being