Pleural liquid during hemorrhagic hypotension

The effect of ∼25% or 35% blood loss (b.l.) on volume, pressure, and protein concentration of pleural liquid has been determined in anesthetized rabbits in lateral or supine posture. Volume and pressure of pleural liquid did not change with 25% b.l. 30 and 60 min after beginning of hemorrhage, and with 35% b.l. at 30 min (bleeding time ∼10 and 12 min, respectively). With 35% b.l. protein concentration of pleural liquid was 85% greater (P < 0.01) than control; moreover, percent albumin was smaller (P < 0.05), and percent globulin greater (P < 0.05) than control. Decrease in arterial plasma protein concentration, hematocrit, and pH after hemorrhage fit literature data. Ventilation at 15 and 30 min increased (P < 0.01) by 16% and 23%, respectively, with 25% b.l., but it did not change with 35% b.l., a condition borderline to survival in anesthetized rabbits without ad hoc treatment. Pleural liquid seems protected against derangements from hemorrhage up to 25% b.l. for periods shorter than 1 h.