Date of Award

5-1984

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Biology

Abstract

The effects of adrenalectomy on some blood profiles of the Mongolian gerbil, Meriones unguiculatus, were studied in order to clarify the possible causes of its short survival after adrenal ablation. Measurements of hematocrit, pH, urea and electrolytes were made 18, 24 and 30 hours after surgery. Results show the expected alterations: hemoconcentration, metabolic acidosis, high values of urea and disturbances in electrolytes. While hyponatremia was significant only after 24 hours, important hypochloremia was not present at any time. Hyperkalemia was the most significant alteration observed. It occurred as early as 18 hours after surgery, suggesting that it may be an important contributor to the failure of these rodents to survive after adrenalectomy.

Included in

Biology Commons

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