“I discovered, that the saline solution which I had used had not been prepared with distilled water, but with pipe water supplied by the New River Water Company. As this water contains minute traces of various inorganic substances, I at once tested the action of saline solution made with distilled water and I found that I did not get the effects described in the paper referred to. It is obvious therefore, that the effects I had obtained are due to some of the inorganic constituents of the pipe water” These were the words of Sydney Ringer, a British clinician and physiologist, is recognised for formulating the 'Ringer's solution,' which facilitated the maintenance of isolated frog heart contractions, ultimately contributing to the creation of an isotonic solution utilised in medical research.
Wrong Answer:A. Sodium
Wrong Answer:B. Potassium
Right Answer: C. Calcium
Explanation: Ringer investigated the impact of electrolytes on cardiac and smooth muscles—the effects of various inorganic salts on cardiac function. Ringer's solution was discovered by chance when a lab assistant mistakenly used tap water instead of distilled water during frog heart experiments. Ringer noticed that the tests with tap water yielded different results, leading him to conclude that the presence of inorganic substances in tap water was responsible for the variation. Ringer examined various solutions with differing concentrations of salts and assessed their impact on sustaining contractions in isolated frog hearts. He observed that saline failed to sustain contractions, whether administered alone or in conjunction with potassium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. Calcium addition sustained contractions; nevertheless, the calcium concentration required proper proportionality to potassium. This demonstrated that many electrolytes possess antagonistic properties relative to those in other groups. The study indicated that specific quantities and ratios of sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium are vital for protoplasmic activity. The Ringer's solution was formulated from this research; it enabled tissues and organisms to survive outside of blood for experimental purposes. Furthermore, Ringer's solution paved the way for advancements in biobanking and cryopreservation techniques, allowing for the long-term storage of viable tissues for future research and therapeutic applications.
Clinical Pearls: Composition of RL Ringer's solution, also known as Ringer's lactate solution or simply lactated Ringer's, is a type of isotonic fluid commonly used for intravenous hydration and electrolyte balance. Its composition typically includes: 1. Sodium chloride (NaCl): 130 mEq/L 2. Sodium lactate: 28 mEq/L 3. Potassium chloride (KCl): 4 mEq/L 4. Calcium chloride (CaCl2): 3 mEq/L 5. Water for Injection: To bring the solution to the desired volume These components closely mimic the body's plasma, making Ringer's solution suitable for various clinical uses, including fluid resuscitation, electrolyte replenishment, and maintaining acid-base balance.
Wrong Answer: D. Magnesium
