Experimental Production of Polycythemia in Humans by Administration of Cobalt Chloride

Abstract

Conclusion

Daily oral administration of 150 mg of cobaltous chloride to 6 normal human subjects caused development of increased erythropoiesis characterized by erythrocyte increases ranging from 0.5 to 1.19 M (average 0.96 million) cells/mm³ of blood within 7 to 22 days. The high red blood cell counts returned to normal within 9 to 15 days after cessation of cobalt administration.