The effect of various environmental factors on cocaine and ephedrine toxicity

Abstract

The effect of environmental factors on the toxicity of ephedrine and cocaine has been examined and the results compared with those obtained with amphetamine. Ambient temperatures were identified at which these drugs have an “aggregation effect”, and isolated mice treated with ephedrine or cocaine were then forcibly exercised and the effect of increased motor activity on body temperature and mortality compared with the results obtained by grouping the animals together. In general, the toxicity of either drug is increased by a rise in ambient temperature. Both drugs produce an aggregation effect and forced exercise increases the toxicity of each drug as much as does grouping. In all parameters tested the effects of ephedrine and cocaine resemble qualitatively those of amphetamine, but are less potent. In mice given certain central nervous system stimulants the aggregation effect may be due to hyperpyrexia associated with increased spontaneous motor activity resulting from a greater response to external stimuli.