[Barium peritonitis in animal experiments (rat, dog)]

Barium sulfate-contrast medium was instilled into the peritoneal cavity of three rats and three dogs and thus a (aseptic) barium peritonitis was induced. The experiments show that barium sulfate here causes not only local reaction but important is its general deleterious effect dependent on its quantity. This is not widely appreciated, yet seems to be an intoxication. Barium sulfate-medium only may be considered non toxic as long as staying in the intestinal tract.