Histology of the Brain and Blood in Chronic Experimental Sedation with Barbiturates and Presidon.

Abstract

Twelve dogs receiving barbital, phenobarbital or Presidon (3,3-diethyl-2,4-dioxotetrahydropyridine) daily for 6-12 yrs. were observed for neurological disturbances and alterations in the histology of the viscera, blood and brain. Dogs receiving barbital for 1 year developed a mild ataxia. These dogs and one receiving phenobarbital for 1 year had small splenic tumors at autopsy. All other post mortem findings were negative with respect to histological changes in the viscera and blood. Small structures similar to amyloid bodies seen in man were found in the brain stem and cortex of all dogs treated 1 yr., but not in dogs treated 6 mos. These structures could not be correlated with neurological changes in behavior, nor is their significance known.