Methyl alcohol poisoning. II. Development of a model for ocular toxicity in methyl alcohol poisoning using the rhesus monkey
G. Martin-Amat, T. R. Tephly, K. E. McMartin, A. B. Makar, M. S. Hayreh, S. S. Hayreh, G. Baumbach and P. Cancilla
Rhesus monkeys were intoxicated with methyl alcohol, using an initial dose
of 2 gm/kg and subsequent doses were administered in order to maintain an
attenuated and prolonged state of intoxication. Arterial blood samples were
drawn for methyl alcohol, formate, PO2, PCO2, and pH, which were monitored
periodically throughout the course of the experiment. With the use of these
procedures monkeys developed metabolic acidosis with the accumulation of
formic acid in the blood and a corresponding decrease in blood bicarbonate.
These animals served as models, which allowed for ocular evaluation for
early signs related to methyl alcohol poisoning. A mechanism to explain
toxicity is proposed and discussed.
