Attempts to Prevent Ergot Gangrene with Heparin and Dicumarol. Vascular Effects of Ergot by Fluorescein Technic

Abstract

Summary

Twenty-four hours after the administration of a single dose of ergotamine tartrate, approximately 50% of rats showed, by means of the fluorescein test, a seriously impaired circulation to the tail, due to marked constriction of the major arteries of the tail. Forty to 50% of rats receiving a single dose of 12.5-37.5 mg/kg of ergotamine tartrate may be expected to develop gangrene of the tail and to begin to do so within one week of the injection of ergotamine. Anticoagulants, such as heparin and dicumarol, do not alter the incidence of ergotamine induced gangrene. It is concluded that the thrombosis, observed to be associated with this process by others, is incidental rather than contributory to the vascular occlusion.