EFFECTS OF CERTAIN DRUGS AND POISONS 729 



reported success with calcium injections in a number of cases of human 

 tetany. 



The precise relationship of the calcium metabolism to parathyroid 

 tetany has, however, not yet been demonstrated. Wilson, Stearns, Tlmr- 

 low and Janney as well as McCann and others have shown that removal 

 of the parathyroid is followed by a condition of alkalosis. This is neu- 

 tralized by the acid production incident to tetany, or the tetany may be 



prevented by - IIC1 intravenously injected. Now calcium salts have been 



found to lower the oxygen-combining power of the hemoglobin as well as 

 the alveolar carbon dioxid tension, both of which effects may also be 

 induced by acids. Calcium is, therefore, in some respects adapted to 

 reduce a condition of alkalosis. 



Howland and Marriott (b) have contributed to the question of the cal- 

 cium metabolism in infantile tetany by demonstrating that in this condition 

 the calcium content of the blood is approximately halved. Their average 

 figure for eighteen cases was 5.6 milligrams in 100 c.c., the lowest being 

 3.5 milligrams. The corresponding normal figure was found to be 10-11 

 milligrams. They do not wholly accept the alkalosis theory. Calcium 

 chlorid per os was found effective in increasing the serum calcium coin- 

 cidently with cessation of the symptoms, although in most cases the normal 

 calcium content was not attained. 



Brown, MacLachlan and Simpson have recently found that intravenous 

 injections of 1.25 grams calcium lactate may keep the signs of tetany 

 .in abeyance for from seven to ten hours. They state, however, that no 

 permanent effects are obtained unless the treatment includes cod liver oil 

 and phosphorus. The value of these last as regards rapid reduction of 

 the symptoms is enhanced by the addition of the calcium. Cod liver oil 

 and phosphorus produce within about two weeks an increase in the calcium 

 content of the blood. 



Uhlenhuth(a) has succeeded in suppressing with the lactate of calcium 

 or magnesium as well as with a weak milk solution the tetany exhibited 

 by thymus-fed salamander larvae. The development of permanent 

 paralyses and contractures is not, however, prevented. This form of 

 tetany (which Uhlenhuth believes to be a true parathyreoprival tetany) 

 is therefore shown to be due to a specific toxic substance not perfectly 

 antagonized by calcium, magnesium or milk. 



Marine (fr) has shown that parathyroid hyperplasia of the fowl (which 

 is produced by feeding maize or wheat) can be retarded by feeding calcium. 



When the prevention or treatment of the dysparathyroidisms shall 

 have been perfected, one feels justified in believing that a prominent role 

 therein will be played by calcium. 



