[Application of ion-selective electrodes for determining ion concentration in blood of irradiated rabbits]

Concentration of potassium and sodium ions as well as chlorides in rabbit blood serum was determined by applying the direct potentiometric method using the ion-selective electrodes. The techniques on calibration of the applied ion-selective electrodes are described and comparative data are presented of determining the concentration of potassium and sodium by the potentiometric method and that of flame photometry and of chlorides by the potentiometric and chemical methods. By high-specific ion-selective electrodes (glass for Na+, membrane one for Cl- and valinemycinic for R+) the character of ionic disturbances is established in the blood serum of rabbits irradiated with a dose of 2000 R. The concentration of potassium ions decreases 15-18 degrees min after irradiation. The concentration of sodium ions and chlorides is not changed noticeably. The concentration of calcium determined by the method of flame photometry decreases after irradiation within a range of 30 min-72h. The found changes may be explained by the damaging effect of radiation on the structure and function of the cell membranes.