ABSTRACT

The effects on the electrocardiogram, myocardial contractility, cardiac output, pulmonary vascular resistance, and systemic vascular resistance in experimental animals have been elucidated. The threshold concentrations for the various parameters have been established when methyl chloroform is administered acutely for brief periods. The next step is to administer this solvent repeatedly every day for an extended period of time to determine if the acute responses continue to appear in an exaggerated fashion or disappear as a result of the development of tolerance. This chapter investigates the effects of the presence of methyl chloroform in the environment resulting from its use in consumer products as well as in industry. The susceptibility of the central nervous system has not been investigated in the dog. Although adequate amounts would produce anesthesia, there is no investigation on the threshold level that would produce disequilibrium so that it is not possible to compare the effects on the heart and the central nervous system.