“The toxicity of indol”

Abstract

Previous observers have shown the comparatively slight toxicity of indol, large amounts having been given to dogs with no resulting symptoms.

A series of experiments on rats, guinea pigs and rabbits have shown that if the capacity of the cells of utilizing oxygen is diminished, as by potassium cyanid, or chloroform, the intensity and duration of symptoms following the injection of definite doses of either indol or phenol are increased.

Experiments on dogs have shown that if potassium cyanid is given together with indol (0.25-0.5 gm.) by subcutaneous injection, a series of symptoms results which ends after a period of days with the death of the animal. The symptoms consist of stupor and delirium, loss of power over limbs, exaggerated reflexes with spasticity of hind limbs, hypersensitiveness in the lumbar region, especially the tail, loss of sight, constant nausea, feces diminished in amount and bloody, and emaciation. Autopsy showed marked congestion of the mucosa of the duodenum, ileum, and colon, blood in the intestinal contents, degenerative changes in the liver and intestinal mucosa, excessive cerebrospinal fluid, and softening of the brain-tissue.

Comparable results have been obtained when prolonged chloroform anesthesia or prolonged asphyxia has been substituted for the cyanid.