Abstract
Summary
Mephenesin in concentrations up to 0.3% caused no change in the swelling resulting from immersion in high-potassium Ringers. Mephenesin at a concentration of 0.3%, but not at 0.1%, caused a large, reversible increase in swelling resulting from immersion in sodiumpoor, hypotonic Ringers. This relatively high drug concentration also caused a 20% loss of muscle potassium both in regular Ringers and in hypotonic, sodium-poor Ringers. These changes are thought to be related to muscle contraction produced by Mephenesin. Confirming results of similar experiments by Fenn (7), the procedure of disturbing or handling muscles at intervals throughout an experiment was seen to result in muscle weight gain, a small sodium increase, and little alteration of potassium content; this process was intensified by Mephenesin.
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