Body water content and distribution in nonpregnant adult female baboons.

Water contents of the various body water compartments were estimated in 16 nonpregnant adult female baboons and compared to human data. Total body water, extracellular water, and plasma volumes were determined by dilution studies. Intracellular water, interstitial water, blood volume, and red cell volume were calculated. The data were compatible with the finding that baboon females probably have less body fat than their human counterparts. Our data establish a basis for longitudinal studies of the changes in body water content and distribution during normal and pathological pregnancies.