The pharmacological and therapeutic effects of certain choline compounds

1. 1. The general reactions produced by large subcutaneous or oral doses of the more active choline compounds can be reproduced by iontophoresis, using the same drugs. In addition, there are certain local manifestations which appear at the site of application. 2. 2. On the basis of our experiments there is no consistent, marked change in the basal metabolic rate resulting from the use of the choline compounds in the dosages indicated. 3. 3. Although it is possible to produce a marked drop in blood pressure by the use of several of these compounds, this is a transient effect. We have not seen a single patient who has maintained a lowered blood pressure from the use of these drugs. 4. 4. Iontophoresis with mecholyl has proved to be a palliative method for the treatment of arthritis. 5. 5. In peripheral vascular disease, where organic occlusion has been the major factor, the choline compounds have not been of marked value. 6. 6. In vascular disease in which spasm is the major factor, the use of the choline compounds, as outlined, has proved helpful. 7. 7. A preliminary report on the successful treatment of long-standing chronic varicose ulcers in presented.