Effects of temperature and general anesthesia on the water gain and the inulin space of the brain of the toad, Bufo arenarum Hensel.
1. The water gain in vitro and the inulin space of the brain of the toad were measured under different experimental conditions. 2. There exists a highly positive correlation between water uptake by the brain and the acclimation-incubation temperature, 7 degrees-37 degrees C. 3. Regional differences in the water gain and inulin space were also demonstrated when measured at 20 degrees C. Higher gains were observed in hemispheres, mesodiencephalon and rhombencephalon. 4. The water gain was higher for whole brains obtained under deep anesthesia with ether or urethane but not under nembutal. The inulin space was also higher under ether but lower under urethane. Nembutal had no effect in this case either. 5. A hypothesis about the possible role of water and electrolyte movements in the mechanism of action of some general anesthetics is advanced.
D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000818:Animals; D001834:Body Water / Q000378:metabolism*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D002022:Bufo arenarum; D005110:Extracellular Space / Q000187:drug effects; D007444:Inulin; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D013696:Temperature
D007444:Inulin