BIOLOGICAL CHANGES IN MAN FOLLOWING INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION OF MESCALINE

Abstract

Some biological constants studied are consistently modified in the same direction. Many of these changes were characteristic of the mescaline-induced state. There was a constant increase in blood sugar, a persistent fall in blood K, a marked leukocytosis with an equally abrupt fall of the eosinophils. The increase in 17-ketosteroids was inconstant. These results seem to suggest a general bodily response to external stress. In this particular case, we suggest use of the term "mescaline shock". This concept would have to be considered in evaluating the various therapeutic results that have been reported. In studying the mechanism of the mescaline stress reactions it is not possible at this time to differentiate the latter from the psychological stress precipitated by the intravenously injected drug.