Abstract
In an attempt to produce experimentally in dogs a state of poisoning by tri-nitro-toluene analogous to the condition recently observed among munition workers in England and America, the following methods of administering the poison have been employed: (1) Feeding by mouth (TNT in butter); (2) skin inunction (TNT in lard); (3) subcutaneous injections (TNT in olive oil); (4) intravenous injections (TNT in acetone); (5) intraperitoneal injections (TNT in albolene). Only the first three methods have proven satisfactory. Intravenous injection of any considerable quantity of an acetone solution causes immediate death, probably from a precipitation of the TNT in the blood stream, and consequent pulmonary embolism. The toxic action of the acetone, too, may be a factor. Negative results with intraperitoneal injections of an albolene solution were probably due to faulty absorption.
Feeding, inunction, and subcutaneous injections have resulted regularly in a more or less chronic state of poisoning ending in death. The rapidity with which toxic symptoms appear and the duration of life depend apparently on both the quantity of poison given and the frequency and method of administration. Skin inunction has so far given most constant results.
Symptoms observed: (1) Vomiting; seen only in feeding cases; apparently due to direct irritation of the stomach by the poison; (2) diarrhea; frequently present, its occurrence is not related to any particular method of administration; (3) depression, surliness, weakness, and emaciation, very marked in later stages; (4) leucocytosis. In one case a slight relative increase in lymphocytes, polychromasia, and nucleated R. B. C. (megaloblasts) was noted.
Autopsy findings: Heart, lungs, and gastro-intestinal tract negative. Liver showed grossly either no change or the picture of a moderate chronic passive congestion with lobules datk red in center and pale in periphery. Isolated yellowish, opaque nodules were sometimes seen scattered throughout the organ.
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