Abstract
Since sodium thiosulfate therapy was first introduced clinically by Dennie and McBride, 1 much interest has centered about its use in metallic toxemias. Given intravenously it has proven efficacious in relieving dermatitis due to heavy metals, especially arsenic and mercury. Myers and Groehl 2 have studied the excretion of arsenic when sodium thiosulfate was given in cases of post-arsphenamine dermatitis. Its use in diagnostic procedure 3 has, in many instances, shown arsenic to be the etiological factor in skin lesions of obscure origin.
The object of this investigation was to study the effect of salvarsan and sodium thiosulfate on the blood chemistry of experimental animals. Chloride and sugar determinations were made, these two substances being chosen as representatives of two main groups of blood constituents, namely electrolytes and nonelectrolytes, and also because they represent the abnormalities in the production of skin lesions as found in eczema in arsenical and mercurial poisoning. In a succeeding publication the action of sodium chloride on the sugar and chlorides will be given, as well as the effect on other blood constituents such are urea, uric acid and the calcium-phosphorus balance.
Whitehorn's 4 method was used for the chlorides, and Hastings and Hopping's 5 modification of McLean's 6 method for sugars. Examination of the blood was always made previous to the injection. The animals were subjected to handling and were macte accustomed to their surroundings so that conditions of shock can hardly be considered as playing any part in the taking of the specimens. The blood was obtained from the ear vein.
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