Abstract
Some years ago J. B. MacCallum 1 made the statement that purgation can be brought about by subcutaneous or intravenous injection of magnesium sulphate. He ascribed the effect to the stimulation of nerve and muscle tissue of the intestines by this salt, which thereby caused increased peristalsis.
In a paper by Meltzer and Auer 2 it was stated, however, that magnesium salts not only do not cause peristalsis, but directly inhibit it when normally present or even when aggravated by barium or physostigmin.
In opposition to this statement it was asserted in a paper by S. A. Matthews and D. E. Jackson 3 that after injection of magnesium sulphate the peristalsis shows no especial departure from the normal and barium and physostigmin show their usual action.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.