PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - L. B. Kirschner
AU  - W. E. Stone
TI  - BINDING OF DIHYDRO-β-ERYTHROIDINE BY A CONSTITUENT OF BLOOD PLASMA
DP  - 1953 Feb 01
TA  - Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
PG  - 188--196
VI  - 107
IP  - 2
4099  - http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/107/2/188.short
4100  - http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/107/2/188.full
SO  - J Pharmacol Exp Ther1953 Feb 01; 107
AB  - An analytical method for curariform agents has been described. The assay is based on the inhibition of the acetyleholine-induced response of the frog rectus abdominis muscle. Some characteristics of dihydro-β-erythroidine and d-tubocurarine are described. Both are fairly stable in acid solution and to heat. d-Tubocurarine is also stable in alkaline solution while dihyro-β-erythroidine is completely destroyed by alkali. Dihydro-β-erythroidine hydrobromide, whether injected intravenously or added to blood in vitro, forms a pharmacologically inactive complex with an unidentified constituent of the plasma. The complex is soluble in alcohol, and the curariform activity is restored by heating in acid solution. A small percentage of the injected drug remains in the free form, an apparent equilibrium being established. A "buffering" effect is thus provided which may aid in the achievement of adequate curarization with minimal side effects.