The toxicity of amyl acetate. 1

Abstract

From four to six cubic centimeters per kilo of amyl acetate injected into frogs caused paralysis and coma in from 15 to 30 minutes. These symptoms lasted 24 hours, with final recovery. In some cases such doses proved fatal. Larger doses were invariably fatal. Experiments with 2.5 cubic centimeters per kilo administered in 2 per cent. suspension in water, failed to cause any symptons. Experiments were also made on rabbits. Amyl acetate was given by mouth in aqueous suspension or dissolved in neutral olive oil. Five cubic centimeters of amyl acetate given by mouth to rabbits weighing about 1,500 grams did not produce any symptons in any of the animals experimented upon, except one in which the dose proved fatal within 24 hours after its administration. The effect of amyl acetate on blood pressure was studied in dogs. One cubic centimeter injected directly into the circulation within 25 seconds caused a fall of blood pressure amounting to 56 per cent. When the vagi were eliminated the fall of blood pressure was still greater. In both instances there was a marked slowing of the pulse.