Abstract
1. When Kombé and hispidus strophanthin, and cymarin, are hydrolyzed a cleavage product, strophanthidin (or strophanthigenin), is produced. This substance retains the pharmacodynamic properties of the original glucosides in a general way but it differs from them in that it is more easily eliminated, or somehow made inactive.
2. Of the various effects which it can produce, the emetic action is very prominent. The direct cardiac effects are subordinate and may be absent altogether in the presence of violent emesis.
3. The emetic action has been studied especially, and particularly with reference to the heart as its possible seat. It is concluded that, inasmuch as the emetic action persists consistently in cats with denervated hearts, the seat of action is not in the heart, or at least not entirely in that organ. This is probably true of dogs also.
4. Evidence is presented in opposition to the idea that strophanthidin emesis is reflex, and the opinion is offered that it is entirely central.
5. The bearing of this conclusion on the explanation of the emetic action of digitalis bodies in general is pointed out.
6. The technic of the complete denervation of the cat's heart is considered in some detail, along with the anatomical relations of the nerves involved.
7. Incidental observations on the action of atropine after vagotomy, with and without strophanthidin, are mentioned.
Footnotes
- Received July 27, 1925.
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