A New Method for the Biological Assay of Curarizing Agents

Abstract

A method for the bio-assay of curarizing agents is described. Suxamethonium is injected intravenously into anaesthetized and intubated rats. The response is measured as the time of respiratory depression. Doses ranging from 0.311 to 1.05 p.g/g give rise to linear responses when the time of respiratory depression is plotted against log dose. The assays are performed within this range. High and low doses, both of the standard and unknown, are injected into two animals each. The index of precision is 0.14. Precision, specificity, cheapness and the possibility of a wider use (cholinesterase determination) are emphasized.