Abstract
1. The isolated sciatic nerve of the frog (Rana pipiens) when treated with cocaine hydrochloride solutions in concentrations which are not strong enough to anesthetize within a given time produces more CO2 than that of the normal nerve, i.e., the nerve treated with Ringer's solution under exactly the same conditions.
2. If, however, there are used the concentrations which produce a state of complete but reversible anesthesia, the nerve metabolism is reduced to a varying degree depending on the depth of anesthesia.
3. The longer the isolated nerve is treated with the drug, the greater is the decrease of the CO2 output. This is true for practically all concentrations examined.
4. In general, the statement is supported that the local anesthetics, cocaine hydrochloride, affects the metabolism of the mixed nerve in exactly the same manner as do general anesthetics, namely, primary stimulation by a weaker concentration, and subsequent diminution of the CO2 production by a higher concentration.
5. These facts demonstrate that there is a close relationship between the rate of nerve metabolism and the state of excitability of the nerve and suggest that anesthesia in general is probably brought about by interference with the tissue metabolism.
Footnotes
- Received December 22, 1918.
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