Infusion of Tracers at a Constant Rate

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to introduce formulas that relate the rates described in the preceding chapter to isotopic data obtained during constant infusion of tracers. The derivation of these formulas follows the order of increasing complexity of the systems; accordingly, 1, 2, 3, and m primary pools embedded in a multicompartmental network are considered sequentially. Although the formulas derived for the m pool system are of course applicable when m is 1, 2, or 3, the simpler cases are discussed separately since the symbolism is less cumbersome and, in practice, only systems consisting of very felt primary pools can be studied experimentally.