THE RELATIVE ROLE OF THE LIVER AND KIDNEYS IN THE DETOXICATION OF A STANDARDIZED CURARE PREPARATION (INTOCOSTRIN)

¹ Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Both the liver and kidneys are active in the detoxication of the curare extract, Intocostrin, by the rat. This was demonstrated by the following experiments. Diminished blood flow through the liver, as produced by the Eck fistula technic in rats, significantly increased the durations of action of moderate intravenous doses of Intocostrin. Absence of kidney function (bilateral nephrectomy) and diminished hepatic circulation (Eck fistula) both significantly prolonged the action of moderate, rapidly administered, intravenous doses of Intocostrin in rats. The durations of action of large subcutaneous doses of Intocostrin were significantly prolonged in the absence of renal function.

Rate of entrance of Intocostrin into the blood stream and size of dose appear to determine the extent to which renal or hepatic detoxication mechanisms are taxed. The body either very slowly detoxifies or is unable to detoxify Intocostrin in the absence of liver and kidney function.