THE EFFECT OF SALICYLATES ON THE ELECTROLYTE STRUCTURE OF THE BLOOD PLASMA. I. RESPIRATORY ALKALOSIS IN MONKEYS AND DOGS AFTER SODIUM AND METHYL SALICYLATE; THE INFLUENCE OF HYPNOTIC DRUGS AND OF SODIUM BICARBONATE ON SALICYLATE POISONING1

Abstract

The admn. of toxic doses of methyl and Na salicylate to monkeys and dogs caused great reduction in the CO2 tension of the blood. In most instances, the serum pH was elevated. The serum CO2 content was decreased in expts. of longer duration but such change was absent in ani-mals receiving Na salicylate intraven. The serum Na concn. was lowered in the majority, and the Cl+ in about 1/2 of the dogs. Serum K and inorganic P were low. The data were interpreted to indicate that salicylates cause primary hyper-ventilation, with consequent lowering of the CO2 tension in the blood, and leading to an alkalotic tendency. The lowering of the serum HCO3 content is thought to be a secondary compensatory change tending to maintain the pH more nearly normal. The effect of pentobarbital Na, barbital Na, paraldehyde and morphine on the hyperpnea of salicylism was studied in dogs. Hyperventilation could be suppressed and normal values for pH and CO2 restored by the admn. of pento-barbital Na. All hypnotic drugs studied appeared to increase the toxicity of the salicylates. Morphine exerted a con-vulsant action without notable decrease of hyperpnea. The effect of NaHCO3 on the electrolyte structure of the blood in salicylism in dogs was to increase pH and HCO3 content without affecting the tension of C02. The admn. of NaHCO3 appeared to shorten the duration of the salicylate intoxication.