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STUDIES IN LIVER AND KIDNEY FUNCTION IN EXPERIMENTAL PHOSPHORUS AND CHLOROFORM POISONING
1Pharmacological Laboratory of Johns Hopkins University, and the Medical Clinic of Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Phosphorus and chloroform poisoning significantly alter blood chemistry, increasing nitrogenous compounds and decreasing sugar tolerance. These toxic effects, particularly in phosphorus poisoning, can lead to liver dysfunction and terminal acidosis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Physiology
Background:
- Previous research established baseline understanding of certain biochemical markers.
- The specific metabolic disturbances caused by phosphorus and chloroform poisoning required further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biochemical changes in blood and urine following phosphorus and chloroform poisoning.
- To assess liver and kidney function and sugar tolerance in toxic states.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of blood serum and urinary nitrogen partition.
- Assessment of sugar tolerance using galactose and levulose.
- Monitoring of acid-base balance and organ function.
Main Results:
- Elevated non-protein nitrogen, urea, and amino acids in blood serum during phosphorus poisoning; less pronounced in chloroform poisoning.
- Decreased sugar tolerance (galactose, levulose) observed in both poisoning types.
- Liver functional changes noted in phosphorus poisoning, often preceding renal involvement; terminal acidosis is common.
Conclusions:
- Phosphorus and chloroform poisoning induce significant alterations in nitrogen metabolism and carbohydrate tolerance.
- Renal insufficiency and acidosis are typically terminal events in severe poisoning.
- Liver dysfunction can occur independently of kidney impairment in phosphorus poisoning.
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