AN EXAMPLE OF CELLULAR HYPEROSMOLARITY 1

Abstract

The violent muscular activity of an electroshock convulsion is accompanied by a rapid redistribution of body water characterized by a contraction of the extracellular space. This is presumably a response to an increase in cellular osmolar concn. The extracellular space re-expands within 2 minutes after the cessation of the convulsion. There are no significant exchanges of Na between the cells and extracellular fluid. During the convulsion K leaves the cells and in the recovery phase a larger amt. of this ion moves back into the cells. The suggestion is made that primary and more chronic alterations in cellular osmolar concns. may be the original defect responsible in certain states for hypo- and hypernatremia.