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Methylene Blue as an Agent for Reducing Red Blood Cell Count

1934; SAGE Publishing; Volume: 31; Issue: 8 Linguagem: Inglês

10.3181/00379727-31-7396p

1535-3702

William B. Wendel, M. L. Hefley,

Metabolism and Genetic Disorders

Over a period of a week or 10 days following intravenous injection of methylene blue into dogs poisoned with cyanide there occurs a decrease in the oxygen capacity of the blood and a corresponding decrease in red blood cell count. The same effect is observed when the dye alone is given. Results of a typical experiment are reported in this preliminary note. Table I shows the changes in red blood cell count, oxyhemoglobin (by O2 capacity method), and reticulocytes in a 17 kilogram dog following intravenous injection of 30 mg. of methylene blue per kilo body weight. Each of 5 dogs which received methylene blue (in quantities ranging from 15 to 40 mg. per kilo body weight) developed an anemia the severity of which was greatest with the larger doses. In 2 experiments, otherwise less complete than that reported, the oxyhemoglobin (O2 capacity) of the blood was determined on the first and second days following methylene blue injection and was found to be only slightly below the preinjection level, although several days later it had fallen to severely anemic levels. This fact and the absence of hemoglobinuria and hematinuria during the entire period following dye injection indicate that there is no immediate massive destruction of cells in the circulation. Experiments designed to relate quantitatively dosage to response and to determine the mechanism of the methylene blue action are in progress. We also have in mind the possibility that methylene blue may find practical application in the treatment of polycythemia vera.