Trichloroethanol in trichloroethylene poisoning.

Trichloroethylene and trichloroethanol were given intraperitoneally to guinea-pigs. Their effects were tested by measuring the threshold current intensity of electrical skin stimulation, the electrical excitability of the motor cerebral cortex, by recording and analysis of the electroencephalogram, and by electrocardiographic examination. The two compounds had similar effects on the nervous system and the heart, but trichloroethanol was the more effective by a factor of at least three. These results support the opinion of clinical investigators on the important role of trichloroethanol in the pathogenesis of trichloroethylene poisoning.