RAYMOND G. HUSSEY 



515 



38 

 have the simple equation b = — • Obviously for g gm, of NaHCOs 



rV 



the equation becomes g = As our results show, this equation 



permits one to calculate with a good degree of accuracy the change to 

 be expected. 



Four rabbits were bled and the bicarbonate content and pH of their 

 plasma was determined. Later they were given an intraperitoneal 

 injection of sodium bicarbonate in amounts stated and the reaction 

 of their plasma was again determined after an interval of 1 hour with 

 the results given in Table III. 



TABLE III. 



In other experiments similar observations have been made at vary- 

 ing intervals following injections of 1 gm. of bicarbonate. All in- 

 jections were made into the peritoneal cavity. For periods after 1 

 hour the observed values are much less than the calculated values. 

 The pH returns to normal in about 3 hours, but the bicarbonate con- 

 tent remains high up to 5 hours. 



Observations on the white blood cells of these rabbits, as well as on 

 other rabbits similarly treated show a diminution of white blood 

 cells per cc. and the absolute counts show this to be due largely to 

 the mononuclear forms. The maximum effect is noted 1 to 3 hours 

 after the injection of the salt which time coincides with the period of 

 maximum change in the reaction of the blood. This is true also in 

 the rabbit following exposure to x-rays. Immediately following this 

 maximum decrease there is a continued rise in the number of white 

 bloQd cells per cc. and a rapid return to normal. It is possible, how- 

 ever, to maintain a low level of the mononuclear cells by repeated 



