[Delayed effects of calcium]

Some extracardial effects of a calcium chloride solution were analysed for a period of one week after infusion in cattle, sheep and rabbits. Effects upon the heart occur during the infusion or immediately after it (peracute calcium toxicity) and are related to a hypercalcaemia. They consist in disturbances of some metabolic processes, in particular of the skeletal musculature (myopathia). Marked increases of the activities of creatin-kinase of the serum show delayed effects of calcium, which are dose dependent. During the time of maximal effects the calcium concentrations in the serum of treated animals are normal. So the situation can be called a toxic normocalcaemic (post-hypercalcemic) calcium effect. An additional application of calcium in a large dosage within a period of 72 hours after the first application may increase the toxic effects of calcium.