Thirty third meeting. 



Cornell University Medical College, New York City. 

 April 21, igog. President Lee in the chair. 



45 (383) 



The vascularity of the spleen as influenced by single nerves 

 of the plexus lienalis. 



By R. BURTON OPITZ. 



\From the Physiological Laboratory of Columbia University^ 



The blood supply of the spleen was determined by means of 

 a stromuhr inserted into the splenic vein. The average for a dog 

 of 18.0 kilos body weight, with a spleen weighing 100 grm., 

 amounted to 0.97 c.c. per second, the velocity of the blood stream 

 to 42.0 mm. per second, the venous pressure to lo.omm. Hg. 



Vaso-constrictory influences were obtained on stimulation 

 of either splanchnicus major, or of the plexus lienalis. Single 

 nerves of the plexus, designated as «, /9, f and d also showed 

 strong vaso-constrictory powers. Thus, it was possible to trans- 

 fer from 30 to 50 c.c. of blood from the spleen into the systemic 

 circuit by moderate stimulation of either one of the nerves just 

 mentioned. The removal of so large a quantity of blood from 

 this organ by the constriction following the stimulation, resulted 

 in a rise in general blood pressure. 



On the venous side the vaso-constrictions made themselves 

 felt by : 



1. A quick sharp rise in the venous return and venous pressure. 



2. A gradual decrease in the blood-flow and pressure. 



3. A slow adjustment toward normal values. 



(95) 



