The maintenance of prolonged reticuloendothelial system depression in dogs using nitrogen mustard

Abstract

Summary o 1. In the dog, nitrogen mustard produces early gastrointestinal toxicity when administered in a dose of 1 mg./kg., resulting in death in 83 per cent of animals. 2. Initial toxicity is markedly diminished and long survival possible when the initial dosage is reduced to 0.8 mg./kg. in divided doses. 3. Marked reticuloendothelial system depression can be achieved by administering the nitrogen mustard in this dosage, and can be prolonged by additional weekly administration of the drug up to five or six months. 4. Animals so treated are in good clinical condition and tolerate surgical procedures well. Such animals require preliminary immunizations and well ventilated quarters with good daily care and hygiene. 5. Nitrogen mustard in the dosage presented above shows differential suppression of lymphocytic cells, only slightly depressing the bone marrow.