RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 STUDIES OF PHENANTHRENE DERIVATIVES IV. A VERATRINE-LIKE ACTION ON SKELETAL MUSCLE OF CERTAIN 9-SUBSTITUTION PRODUCTS OF PHENANTHRENE JF Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics JO J Pharmacol Exp Ther FD American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics SP 87 OP 99 VO 54 IS 1 A1 SMITH, RALPH G. YR 1935 UL http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/54/1/87.abstract AB 1. Sodium phenanthrene-9-carboxylic acid produced in normal cats, rabbits and mice an effect suggesting a veratrine-like action on skeletal muscle. 2. In cats and rabbits after administration of the compound, isotonic and isometric gastrocnemius muscle contraction records were often double or multiple peaked and usually showed a prolonged relaxation phase of from 1 to 6 seconds in duration. An increase in the amplitude of contraction was also commonly observed. 3. Characteristic records were obtained on direct and indirect stimulation with the sciatic nerve cut, indicating a peripheral site of action, and on direct stimulation in the curarized animal, localizing the point of action to the muscle. 4. This peculiar muscular effect was also produced, although to a lesser degree, by four other 9-substitution products of phenanthrene but not by the 2- and 3-substituted carboxylic acids. 5. Sodium phenanthrene-9-carboxylic acid did not produce this phenomenon in frogs but instead elicited a morphine-like picture.