Abstract
Gelsemicine is a new alkaloid isolated by Chou 1 from the rhizome and roots of the American Gelsemium sempervirens, L. This alkaloid is the most toxic yet isolated. Using gelsemicine hydrochloride the minimum lethal dose for male rabbits given intravenously was found to be 0.05 mg. per kilo; for dogs 0.6 mg. per kilo; subcutaneously for albino rats 0.0001 mg. per gram, and subcutaneously for frogs 0.03 mg. per gram.
The toxic symptoms observed for the mammals were similar. There was a preliminary quietening of the animal with some slowing of the respiration. Tremors followed by incoordination of movement, and loss of power developed in 5 to 15 minutes. At the same time the respiration became either slow and deep or rapid and shallow, the result being a decrease in minute volume. In 15 to 30 minutes after the injection there were developed intermittent tetanic convulsions alternating with great prostration. Respiration now became slow and shallow. The animal usually gasped for breath, grunting and crying at times. Defecation and urination usually occurred. In the dog there were marked salivation, retching, and sweating of the paws. Respiration rapidly became weaker until it finally stopped. Heart beats remained strong for 15 to 30 seconds after the cessation of respiration. Consciousness was apparently retained until a few minutes before death.
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