ALCOHOL 171 



in the mouth there is an increased flow of saliva and the pulse is 

 accelerated. The latter is purely reflex, as it occurs long before the 

 alcohol can be absorbed. 



Stomach. There is about the same sensation in this organ as in 

 the mouth. If a small amount is given, the gastric vessels dilate, 

 the mucosa becomes red and secretion increased. The result is that 

 the appetite is sharpened. This may explain the custom of taking a 

 " nip " before meals, and also explains how a little alcohol may aid 

 digestion. The effect of large doses is quite different. The activity 

 of the gastric juice is destroyed by precipitation of the pepsin. The 

 walls of the stomach become inflamed, large quantities of mucus are 

 poured out and if the overindulgence is contipued, chronic gastritis 

 results, the glands atrophy and we get the permanent dyspepsia of 

 drunkards. 



Intestines. If any reaches the intestines undiluted it would be 

 irritant but the chances are largely against this. The pancreatic 

 juice is increased. 



Blood. Alcohol is very largely absorbed by the blood and lac- 

 teals. It increases, then decreases ameboid movements of the white 

 cells. It hinders the oxyhemoglobin of the red cells from giving up 

 the oxygen, hence diminishes the oxidation of the tissues. This fac- 

 tor, in habitual drinkers of large amounts, may lead to imperfect 

 combustion of fat, which consequently accumulates in the tissues 

 and results in obesity. 



Absorption. This is rapid from the stomach and intestines. 

 According to Von Noorden, 1.5 per cent, is excreted by the breath, 

 % per cent, by the urine, and traces in the sweat. 



Temperature. Alcohol is slightly antipyretic. This action is 

 probably largely due to dilatation of the cutaneous vessels. 



Summary of Action on the Circulation. The following 

 effects are seen from moderate amounts : 



1. The heart beats more rapidly and forcibly. Large amounts 

 directly depress the heart muscle. 



2. All vessels are dilated, especially those of the skin. 



3. Blood pressure rises. These changes are but transitory be- 

 cause the stimulation is soon followed by depression and the heart 

 beats more weakly and is weaker than before. 



Circulatory System. Upon the administration of concentrated 

 alcoholic solutions, there is an- immediate rise in blood pressure, 

 though the action of the heart remains about the same. Although 

 this action lasts but a very few minutes, alcohol is very valuable in 

 mild forms of collapse. This action is purely reflex as it occurs 

 before absorption takes place. 



Brooks, working upon unanesthetized dogs, found that while a 

 striking reflex rise of blood pressure followed placing of alcohol in 

 the mouth, which returned to normal in five to ten minutes, and was 



