Abstract
1. Small and medium doses of adrenalin increase but large doses decrease the resistance to mercury. Its toxicity is also considerably diminished by moderate amounts of ephedrine.
2. Mercury was most toxic for the heart when it was given after paralysis of the sympathetic by ergotamine.
3. The action of mercury is also increased by cardiac inhibition but not nearly to the same extent as by paralysis of the accelerators.
4. Complete denervation of the heart by atropine and ergotamine produces effects on the action of mercury similar to those observed when it is given after ergotamine only.
5. The relation of the autonomic system to the action of mercury was discussed and the beneficial effects of small doses of adrenalin analyzed. The conclusion was reached that the resistance of the heart depended upon the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
Footnotes
- Received April 29, 1929.
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