Experimental Polyneuritis in Chickens Given Jamaica Ginger.

Abstract

Four apparently healthy chickens weighing approximately one kilo each were used in this experiment. Jamaica ginger obtained from a community where there were many patients with peripheral neuritis was used. Two of the chickens received daily doses of 2 cc. fluid extract of ginger and the other 2 received an equal amount of 83% ethyl alcohol. The chickens were kept in a cage out of doors and their diet consisted of cracked corn and oats. The chickens receiving the alcohol were accidentally killed 10 days after beginning the experiment.

Thirty-eight days after receiving the first dose of ginger and after each chicken had been given a total of 70 cc. there were no signs of muscular weakness. There had been some loss of weight during this time. On the thirty-ninth day the chickens exhibited slight motor weakness and loss of coordinating power in both extremities. Feeding ginger was discontinued at this time. During the next 2 days there was a progressive motor weakness and the difficulty in walking or standing was marked. Control of the feet was completely lost and the toes were turned under the feet when an attempt was made to walk. The legs rather than the feet were used to support the body when resting. There was apparently no sensory disturbance of the extremities and no edema was observed.

A thick suspension of rice polishings was given through a tube when the paralysis was first observed and daily thereafter for a period of 5 days without any improvement. One of the chickens died 8 days after the onset of the paralysis. Sections of the nerve trunks have not yet been examined. Motion pictures were made to demonstrate the paralysis.