[Comparative evaluation of the toxicity of potassium hydrocarbonate and chloride]

The toxicity of potassium hydrocarbonate and chloride was compared in tests on 113 albino rats. It was noted that following introduction of maximal amounts of potassium chloride death occurred earlier in these animals than in the ones which received equivalent doses of potassium hydrocarbonate. Simultaneous administration of sodium hydrocarbonate reduced the toxicity of potassium hydrocarbonate and potassium chloride. Morphological investigations brought out that toxic doses of potassium hydrocarbonate led to shifts of the carbohydrate and lipids metabolism. Some mechanisms underlying the action of potassium chloride and potassium hydrocarbonate are discussed.