ACTION OF ALCOHOL 315 



section of the cord cuts off vasomotor action. Marked dilatation of peri- 

 pheral vessels following the use of alcohol, is seen in the flushing of the 

 face in man. 



Redistribution of blood occasioned by alcohol appears to be of sig- 

 nal value in certain morbid conditions, as chills. In fever the slovring of 

 the pulse, sometimes produced by alcohol, is thought to be due to its 

 quieting effect on the central nervous system. 



There is a momentary stimulation of the heart (increased blood 

 pressure) induced by the ingestion of strong alcoholic solutions in act- 

 ing reflexly on the circulatory centres through irritation of the upper 

 alimentary mucous membrane before absorption. 



Large doses of alcohol depress and paralyze the vaso-constrictor 

 centres and heart muscle. Alcohol harms the white blood cells — ^nature's 

 defence against infections (Metchnikoff). 



Respiration. — The respiration is not appreciably influenced by med- 

 icinal doses of alcohol in animals. In man slight reflex stimulation oc- 

 curs, with increase in rate, owing to peripheral excitation of the upper 

 alimentary tract. Enormous doses paralyze the respiratory centres. 



Temperature. — The temperature, both in health and fever, may be 

 lowered by alcohol, because alcohol causes relaxation of the peripheral 

 blood-vessels and loss of heat by radiation from the skin. The larger 

 the quantity of alcohol ingested, the greater the fall of temperature. — 

 In alcoholic narcosis, vasomotor paralysis and lessened movements lead 

 to great loss of heat, particularly if the animal be at the same time ex- 

 posed to cold. In small doses, alcohol may sometimes increase the tem- 

 perature in man by leading to excitement and muscular movements, but 

 the sensation of warmth perceived in man following the use of alcohol 

 is generally fallacious, and is simply due to flushing of the vessels of 

 the skin and stomach. Some of the lowest temperatures ever observed 

 have been in drunken persons exposed to cold. 



Tissue Change. — Metabolic activity is not altered to any degree by 

 the action of alcohol in small amounts. In large quantities alcohol les- 

 sens the oxidation and destruction of poisonous substances in the liver, 

 and induces hepatitis and cirrhosis, after long periods. As a food, in 

 normal condition, it is undesirable on account of its toxic properties. 



Deductions drawn from the action of alcohol on tissue chaiige as 

 shown by carbonic dioxide and urea elimination are faulty. Alcohol in- 

 creases or diminishes tissue change and oxidation only in proportion as it 

 stimulates or interferes with muscular movement. Under the influence 

 of alcohol more nitrogen escapes as uric acid and less in the form of 

 urea. 



Nervous System. — Moderate doses momentarily stimulate, while ex- 

 cessive quantities depress and paralyze the nervous system. This action 

 is similar to that exerted upon the circulatory organs. The local effects 

 of alcohol upon the peripheral nerves resembles the action after absorp- 

 tion upon the system generally. The nervous system is affected in nearly 

 the same order and manner as by anesthetics, and the same stages may 

 be observed. The stages include the stimulant, depressant and paralytic. 



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