Neurotropic calcergy

Abstract

Following a brief definition of the new concepts of calcergy and calciphylaxis, a neurotropic form of calcergy is described in which the autonomic nerves undergo selective calcification. This is obtained in rats by a single intravenous injection of lead acetate followed immediately by a single subcutaneous injection of histamine. If, in rats, similarly prepared by an intravenous injection of lead acetate, acetylcholine or serotonin-creatinine sulfate is given subcutaneously, the autonomic nerves remain unaffected. Apparently, histamine exerts an effect upon the autonomic nervous system which is normally not manifest. This action appears to be highly specific, both with respect to the compound required to elicit it and to the nerve structures affected. The possible relationship between the experimentally induced neurotropic calcergy and various forms of toxic neuropathy in man is briefly considered.