Absorption of serum from the peritoneal cavity

Abstract

The subserous lymphatic plexus on the peritoneal surface of the diaphragm was obliterated to study the removal of protein from the peritoneal cavity in the absence of lymphatic drainage. Cats weighing between 2 and 3 kg were used for this study. Homologous and heterologous serum was injected into the peritoneal cavity of lightly anesthetized animals. In control animals the absorption of 50 ml of homologous serum was complete in 9 hours, and absorption of 50 ml of heterologous serum required 24–36 hours. Cats in which lymphatic peritoneal drainage had been experimentally obstructed showed an increase in time interval for absorption of injection serums. Under this condition 144 hours was required for absorption of heterologous serum and 72 hours for homologous serum.