Abstract
The lethal dose of k-strophanthoside was determined in 40 cats subjected to muscular work by the continuous stimulation of both sciatic nerves. The average lethal dose for these animals was significantly greater than that determined under identical conditions in 40 cats without muscular activity.
Half of the animals in each series received the glycoside by intravenous injection, and the other half by intra-aortic injection at the level of the inferior mesenteric artery. The lethal doses were the same for the two routes.
The amplitude of muscular contraction fell more rapidly in the animals injected by artery than in those injected by vein. However, in both cases the inexcitability of the muscles was complete or nearly complete before cardiac arrest.
These results may be interpreted as indicating that the work of striated muscle considerably increases its capacity for storage of k-strophanthoside. The possible influence of cardiac activity on the selective storage of digitalis bodies by the heart is discussed.
Footnotes
- Received January 19, 1949.
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