Serum Potassium Concentration and Use of Ouabain in Experimental Tourniquet Shock

¹ From the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nebraska College of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska

Shock was induced in dogs by the release of tourniquets which had been applied to the hind legs for 5 hours. The serum potassium level was followed by spaced sampling. It was seen to rise slightly (from an average of 4.02 mEq/l. to an average of 4.66 mEq/l.) during the prerelease period. Five minutes after the release of the tourniquets, the level had risen to an average of 7.50 mEq/l. and thirty minutes after the release, it had risen to an average of 8.56 mEq/l. At the critical point in the progress of the syndrome (when the mean blood pressure was approximately 50 mm Hg) the average value was 8.46 mEq/l. Ouabain was administered and the level of serum potassium was seen to rise, attaining values as high as 14.67 mEq/l. in one case. The results and significance of these increased levels are briefly discussed as well as an animadversion upon the effects of ouabain on the mean blood pressure.