[Quantitative characteristics of blood redistribution after death by radioactive indication]

The methods of radioactive detection and external radiometry were used to study the distribution of blood in cats and rats during 24 hours after heart arrest. Labeled albumins (131I) and erythrocytes (51Cr) were used as blood indicators. The animals after death were stored in a horizontal or, in some tests, in vertical position at room temperature. The activity was measured in the horizontal and sagittal planes in strictly defined sites (30 altogether) or by scanning of the entire body within 3-5 min after circulation arrest as well as at 5 and 24 hours. No significant changes in distribution of plasma and erythrocytes during 24 hours postmortem in the horizontal position were shown to occur, while in the vertical position there was an insignificant increase of the blood content in the lower part of the body.