Experimental pernicious anemia

Abstract

These experiments were performed on rabbits; fourteen rabbits in all were employed. Olive oil was fed in varying doses. Two feedings of 10 c.c. of olive oil per kilo of body weight sufficed to kill after 5 days. 6 c.c. per kilo weight killed in six days when fed daily. 5 c.c. per kilo weight did not kill but produced secondary anemia with blood crises presenting the picture of pernicious anemia—blood count 4 to 5,000,000, Hb. 50 per cent, or less, achromia, irregularity in size and shape, polychromatophilia, stipling, blasts.

Eight rabbits were thus subjected to chronic poisoning with olive oil. Of these, three had previously been daily fed (for about a year) 0.3 gram quinine. Three rabbits had been treated for three months with intravenous injection of 0.01 gram quinine daily. The remaining two received daily feedings of olive oil without previous treatment. In all of these rabbits the blood picture of secondary anemia developed within a few days. In four the blood picture of pernicious anemia developed in from 2-3 months. The anemia was not constant but varied considerably. The weight curve approximately followed the appearance of the blood; dropping sharply as the anemia became apparent, rising as the anemia improved. Five of these rabbits showed marked impairment of nutrition during the entire course, the younger ones being decidedly stunted in their development. The three rabbits that had been fed quinine per os showed less severe disturbances and none of them have thus far (after 11/2 years) shown the picture of pernicious anemia. The weight and blood conditions improved markedly when the feeding of oil was suspended.

Calcium lactate, lime water, Fowler's solution and tincture of ferric chloride were fed at different times with the olive oil without, however, appreciably diminishing the effect of the oil.