340 THE ACTIVE PRINCIPLE OP EBYTHBOPHLOETTM LABOUCHERII, 



PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION OF EBYTHROPHLOEUM LABOUCHERII. 



J. M. Petrie and H. Priestley, M.D., Ch.M., B.Sc, Associate Professor of 



Physiology. 



(a) External Action. 



The powdered leaves act as a violent irritant. During the gi'inding and 

 drying of the material for analysis all tliose wlio came in contact with the fine 

 dust, or inhaled tlie air of the room in which the powder was spread out to dry, 

 suffered from violent fits of sneezing. In one case [J.M.P] the action of this 

 irritating dust on the respiratory nujcous memln-anes was so severe as to incite 

 acute bronchial inflammation. 



(b) Action on cardiac muscle of the Frog. 



A solution of the purified hydrocliloride salt of tlie alkaloid was prepared 

 by dissolving it in 0.7% sodium cliloride solution, that is, a physiological normal 

 saline solution containing 0.5% of the alkaloid. 



In a pithed frog the heart was exposed and the apex attached to a writing 

 lever. After recording the normal heats for a short time the prepared alkaloid 

 solution was dropped on the heart, from 2 to 4 drops being applied. 



The diastolic standstill for 5 sees, was probably a result of stimulation of 

 the vagus centre. Partial contractions of the auricles continued after the ven- 

 tricle had stopped in I'oiiiiiletc systole. 



K.xp. 2.— Iliiln niiri'o. weight 12 gms. {Sec diagram.) 

 Observations 



Normal heart. 



Applied 4 drops of alkaloid solution. 



Convulsive movements. 



Heart stopped, with ventricle slightly contracted. 



