Search

Glycol ethers (GE) belong to two main series: series E, which include ethylene glycol ethers (EGE) and series P which include propylene glycol ethers (PGE). GE are widely used as solvents in a large number of industrial, household and cosmetic applications. EGE can be found in water paints, varnishes, inks, household products. Severe adverse effects have been noted with pharmaceutical formulations containing diethylene glycol monoethyl-ethers and this led to withdrawal from the French market. The toxicity of GE depends on the molecular weight and the metabolites generated. It can manifest following acute or chronic exposure by disorders of the nervous system, bone marrow, immune system, kidneys as well as fertility, reproduction and embryofetal development. Several EGE are mutagenic. The carcinogenic risk is not known. The most toxic derivatives EGME, EGMEA, EGEE and EGEEA alter male and female fertility, and induce malformations. Taking these toxic effects into consideration, what is the place of GE as absorption promoting agents? An example is DEGEE, which facilitates estradiol penetration when used as a gel in the treatment of estrogen deficiency. This review is intended to address this issue.

Increase in total positive birefringence, or decrease in negative birefringence of an unmyelinated nerve by volatile anesthetics occur simultaneously during the decrease of the action potential, and suggest axomembrane molecular reorganization possibly concerning the phospholipid layer.

Ether vapors affect heartbeat. An acceleration of heartbeat precedes the cardiac arrest observed in about five minutes. During recovery the heartbeat increases to a value above that seen before anesthesia and then returns to normal.

We have studied the psychopathology of a young schizophrenic patient drug-addict exclusively to ether. The clinical evidence shows the acute ebriety as an experience lived in childist enjoyment, evoking mood of his infantile enfastening to the indifferent attitude of his parents. The obessive and impulsive intake of the drug, shows this behaviour as a defense process having the value of protection against dissociative anxiety. When addictive behaviour stopped, with interruption of the psychotic evolution, and return in family life, appears nevertheless hebephrenic impoverishment of feelings and personality structure, stabilished in his autistic way of life.

The effects of long-term anesthesia with methoxyflurane on plasma LH and prolactin concentrations were compared to those induced by exposure to ether. Methoxyflurane significantly decreased prolactin levels and had a slight effect of LH, whereas ether produced an important release of prolactin without affecting LH.

A new rapid fluorimetric method for determining urinary estrogen concentrations is described. Rapid enzyme hydrolysis of a 5 ml sample is followed by ether extraction, sodium extraction, and fluorimetry using Ittrich's method. Values obtained using this method in women, children, and postmenopausal women were comparable with those obtained by other methods. Night or 24-hour urine may be used.