Abstract
Summary
1. Continuous slow injection of KCl (2 to 3 mg per second of 1.12% solution) produced initial enhancement and subsequent depression of neuromuscular transmission in muscle stimulated indirectly at 275 to 300 shocks per second.
2. Fast injection of KCl (15 mg per second of 4.2% solution) produced a prompt depression of neuromuscular transmission. Continued injection produced marked contracture and complete neuromuscular block.
3. Enhancement of neuromuscular transmission may occur in the absence of contracture or in the presence of mild contracture. Amounts of K sufficient to induce marked contracture usually produced complete neuromuscular block.
4. During complete neuromuscular block by KCl injection the response of the muscle to direct stimulation was unimpaired.
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