134 



Scientific Proceedings (66). 



and since only anatomically intact glands exhibit this character- 

 istic, and since kidneys and spleens perfused under similar condi- 

 tions do not take up iodin, we believe one may conclude that 

 the surviving thyroid cells in vitro exhibit the same specific bio- 

 logical affinity for iodin as is manifested by the thyroid cells in vivo. 



80 (1012) 



The clinical actions of veratrum. 



By Russell J. Collins and Paul J. Hanzlik. 



[From the Pharmacological Laboratory, Medical School, Western 

 Reserve University, Cleveland.] 



The object of this study was to ascertain more definitely the 

 effects produced by veratrum in normal and diseased human 

 individuals, with special reference to the circulatory system. 

 Many of the studies reported in the literature lack definite objec- 

 tive data, and whatever data exist need the confirmation of the 

 improved and more modern methods of observation. Pharma- 

 cologically, the effects of veratrum are well understood, and the 

 drug is prompt and effective. On the other hand, the reported 

 clinical results are contradictory, and the drug is variously reported 

 as uncertain, ineffective or too "toxic." However, there is reason 

 to believe that the circulatory effects obtained in patients may 

 resemble the pharmacological and that veratrum might be useful 

 as a therapeutic measure for certain circulatory conditions. 



In all eight individuals were studied. Of these six were con- 

 valescent and their circulations were clinically judged to be about 

 normal. Two were cases of hypertonus. The patients always 

 rested in the horizontal position in bed on the days when the pulse 

 rate and blood pressure were taken. The pulse was taken for 

 half a minute at the time of the first dose of veratrum and at 

 intervals of fifteen minutes until the effects of the drug were pro- 

 nounced. The blood pressure was taken by the auscultatory 

 method before the administration of the drug and again when the 

 pulse rate had reached a minimum. Certain of the cases walked 

 around when the pulse rate reached its minimum with no effect 

 upon the rate. The preparation used was the 10 per cent, tincture 



