A method for hemorrhagic shock in the rat

Normovolemic hemorrhagic shock was induced in unanesthetized as well as anesthetized rats. The animals were bled according to predetermined schedules followed by reinfusion of all shed blood. In these models mortality during the hypovolemic phase was avoided, while practically 100% mortality ensued a number of hours after the reinfusion. To this end, a certain individualization of the bleeding procedure was necessary. The pathology induced was very similar in the two models. The survival time as well as the course of the plasma-glucose concentration (a tendency to a high degree of hypoglycemia) and the plasma-K+ concentration (extreme hyperkalemia) were also very similar. The causes of the hypoglycemia and hyperkalemia are not elucidated.