THE TOXICITY OF SODIUM ALGINATE IN CATS

Abstract

The intraperitoneal or intravenous injection in cats of solutions of sodium alignate results in the production of large ante-mortem intracardiac clots. Evidence is presented that injury to the brain, liver and kidney frequently occurs. Alginic acid shares with other gums the ability to accelerate the sedimentation of erythrocytes. A di-aldehyde derivative of alginic acid is slightly less toxic than alginic acid while a nitrated derivative is more toxic and in addition greatly prolongs clotting time in vivo.