132 CONCERNING THE EFFECTS OF "TUBA" FISH-POISON. 



first method of injection is 1 c. c. 1 in 50, that is the extract ob- 

 tained from 1/50 gm. of the root, by the second method of injec- 

 tion 1 c. c. 1 in 12, that is the extract obtained from 1/12 gm. of 

 the root. In both cases the symptoms are similar. In a few 

 minutes the animal becomes agitated for a short time, then quietens 

 down and in another ten minutes its breathing becomes deeper and 

 irregular in rate, the nostrils dilating at each inspiration. The 

 animal is still conscious and all its reflexes are normal. In another 

 twenty minutes the breathing stops, reflexes diminish and finally 

 disappear about thirty five minutes after the injection. Post 

 mortem examination reveals signs of death from asphyxia, the 

 organs being congested, and the heart full. The heart can be 

 stimulated to contract for a long time after removal from the 

 animal. 



Effects on Monkeys. Two varieties of monkeys were used, 

 the common kra (Macacus cijnomolgus) and the larger pig-tailed 

 monkey {Macacus nemestpinus) . 



The poison was injected subcutaneously ; the injection causes 

 no pain. The minimal lethal dose is the extract from 2 gm. of 

 the root. The extract is concentrated to small bulk by boiling; 

 boiling does not effect the poison. Within five minutes the -animal 

 becomes weak, and the gums and tongue are very pale. There is 

 usually slight vomiting about this time. The vomiting resembles 

 cerebral vomiting and soon ceases as the animal goes to sleep. It 

 can be aroused and its reflexes are normal. Then the breathing 

 shows great increase in depth, and soon becomes very deep and 

 slow; then gasping inspirations occur about six a minute; the re- 

 flexes now disappear and the animal cannot be aroused; gasping 

 gradually ceases and the animal dies. The heart beats for several 

 minutes after the respiration ceases. These symptoms are those of 

 asphyxia and post mortem examination shows the signs of death 

 from asphyxia. Death occurs in about forty minutes. 



Experiments in which the poison is introduced into the 

 stomach by a stomach tube give the same results. Vomiting comes 

 on in about five minutes and is not excessive. In any case suffi- 

 cient poison is absorbed because death takes place even after vomit- 

 ing. The extract from 2 gm. weight of the root is the minimal 

 lethal dose. Death occurs in forty minutes, the symptoms re- 

 sembling those produced by subcutaneous injection of the poison. 

 When the respiration is greatly affected, the reflexes disappear, the 

 corneal reflex being the last to go. The pupils are dilated. 



Action on the Tissues and Organs Removed from the Body. 



Effects ox Voluntary Muscle. When in concentrations 

 1 in 8 to 1 in 2,000, its action on the voluntary muscles of the 

 tongue and of the calf of a toad is to weaken their power of con- 

 traction. The motor nerves and end plates are not affected. This 



Jour. Straits Branch 



