BOTULISM. STUDIES ON THE MANNER IN WHICH THE TOXIN OF CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM ACTS UPON THE BODY : II. THE EFFECT UPON THE VOLUNTARY NERVOUS SYSTEM.
1. In addition to the effect upon the fibers of the parasympathetic nervous system which was described in a previous report (1), the toxin of Clostridium botilinum. Types A and B, exerts an influence upon the endings of the motor fibers of the voluntary nervous system which leads to a marked susceptibility to fatigue. It has not been determined whether the damage is in the anatomical nerve endings of the somatic motor nerve fibers or upon the myoneural junction, but it is not of the nature of an organic destruction of tissue. 2. There is no effect upon the sensory fibers of the peripheral nerves. 3. The muscle cells of the smooth and striated muscles are not affected. 4. The disturbances in function which have been demonstrated in the voluntary and involuntary nervous systems fully explain the characteristic signs and symptoms of botulinus intoxication.
Laboratory of Experimental Medicine of Stanford University Medical School, San Francisco.
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Dickson
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Shevky