CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF THE INSECTICIDE ENDRIN

Abstract

Little is known of the cardiovascular effects of endrin insecticide. Experiments to investigate these phenomena were carried out on dogs with a variety of preparations. Results show that acute administration of endrin produces bradycardia, hypertension, copious salivation, hyperexcitability, tonic–cionic convulsions, increased body temperature, leukocytosis, hemoconcentration, and decreased blood pH. Cerebral venous pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure elevations are also prominent features of endrin poisoning. Although most of these effects appear to be caused by endrin acting directly on the central nervous system some may result secondarily from altered cerebral hemodynamics.