Toxicological effects of intravenous administration of pyridine in anaesthetized dogs.

In 17 anaesthetized dogs effects on blood pressure, respiration and biochemical changes in blood, i.e. serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (Alk.Pase), and urea, after intravenous administration of pyridine at various dose levels of 88 to 880 mg/kg body weight (LD5 to LD50) are reported. Commonly observed toxicity signs and symptoms are due to action of pyridine on the nervous system. There is no direct evidence of lowering of blood pressure. Lowering of blood pressure is noticed only at lethal doses and is accompanied by marked tachycardia. Death is due to respiratory failure. The significant biochemical changes are increase in SGOT and blood urea (p less than 0.01) and decrease in serum Alk,Pase (p less than 0.01).