A STUDY OF THE HISTOLOGIC CHANGES PRODUCED EXPERIMENTALLY IN RABBITS BY MERCURIAL COMPOUNDS

Abstract

As shown in the preceding articles,1the administration of arsphenamin and neo-arsphenamin to rabbits by intravenous injection in multiple small doses comparable with those given to human beings according to body weight may result in the production of certain tissue changes in the internal organs. By reason of the practical importance of these changes in relation to the treatment of syphilis, Dr. Jay F. Schamberg suggested that we conduct a similar study of the mercurial compounds commonly administered in the treatment of syphilis, which would permit a comparison of the kind and extent of the histologic changes produced by these preparations with those produced by arsphenamin and neo-arsphenamin. It is well known that preparations of mercury may exert injurious effects on the kidneys and that careful examinations of the urine are indicated during the treatment of syphilis with these preparations for evidences of renal irritation. In a previous study