The Effect of Environmental Temperature on Cortisone Toxicity for Mice

Abstract

Groups of 10 each, Swiss mice, 18-22 grams, were kept at temps. of 35[degree]-37[degree] C, 25[degree]-29[degree] C, and at -5[degree] to -7[degree]C, respectively. Half were injd. intramusc, each day for 8 days, with 0.5 mg. of cortisone acetate, the other half serving as controls. As indicated by the mortality, the toxic effects of cortisone were increased by the higher temps., a factor more enhanced in the males. The coldest temp. not only eliminated the toxic effects of the cortisone, but the drug protected the animals, all treated mice surviving but all controls dying by the 2d day.