The effects of the iodides and of iodine on tuberculous guinea pigs.

Abstract

The object of these experiments is to determine the probable detrimental effect of the iodine derivatives when administered to tuberculized animals. Similar experiments have been made in the past by different workers, but we deemed it advisable to repeat them.

Guinea pigs were treated with daily doses of three to five drops of a saturated solution of potassium iodide which would be equal to approximately 250 to 400 gr. daily to the human adult. One pig was treated with the tincture of iodine, receiving one drop daily, which equals about two drams daily to a 70 kilogram patient.

The first tuberculized guinea pig received its initial dose of potassium iodide nineteen days after injection. It had developed large inguinal glands at the site of injection and was considerably emaciated. It was given three drops of potassium iodide daily for a period of fifteen days. Marked improvement and diminution in the glands resulted. The medication was discontinued nine days, at the end of which time the pig relapsed. Potassium iodide therapy was resumed, the animal receiving five drops of saturated solution of potassium iodide daily for a period of twenty-five days. Marked improvement apparently occurred, but the guinea pig died seven days later and was autopsied. Generalized miliary tuberculosis was found.

Four additional guinea pigs were tuberculized, and ten days later all had developed large inguinal glands. One with a fistula, which seemed to be the most heavily infected, was selected as a control. Seven days later, or seventeen days after the injection, the pigs were separated and medication begun.

Two pigs were given four drops of potassium iodide by mouth, and one was given one drop of the tincture of iodine daily for fourteen clays.