Effects of calcium and magnesium salts upon the development of rigor mortis

Abstract

The effects of calcium and magnesium salts were studied on rabbits, cats, guinea pigs, rats and frogs; most extensively, however, on rabbits. Effects were obtained by means of subcutaneous, intravenous or intra-arterial injections; the intravenous method being more extensively employed than the other methods. The infusions were given in solutions of M/1, M/2, M/4, or M/8 concentration. Of the calcium salts we used CaCl2, Ca(No3)2 and Ca(C2H3O2)2; of the magnesium salts, MgSO4, MgCl2, Mg(NO3)2 and Mg(C2H3O2)2.The following are the chief results. Calcium salts hasten and magnesium salts retard the development of the rigor of skeletal muscles. After treatment with calcium salts the rigor may begin twenty minutes after death, and after magnesium treatment it may not begin before the lapse of six or seven hours. In the rigor after injection of a calcium salt the extensors mostly prevail irrespective of the original position. After treatment with magnesium salts the flexors prevail or the animal remains in the ...