[Cumulative action of Gramoxone and Reglone].

Two dipyridilium herbicides--Gramoxon and Reglon, at doses 1/3, 1/10 and 1/20 LD50--are administered to rats per os, daily over a period of one month. The values of the cumulation coefficients (CC) are calculated on the ground of lethality data. The clinical picture of intoxication caused by the above preparations is also studied. Daily, one-month long introduction of LD50 fractions demonstrates the presence of a cumulative action, much more strongly pronounced for Gramoxon as compared to Reglon. Parallel to reduction of the doses given, the cumulation effect di minisches and at 1/20 LD50, it is but weakly pronounced. The latter fact warrants the assumption that although being comparatively toxic, the dipyridium herbicides do not represent a serious hazard in terms of sustaining chronic oral intoxications. This is furthermore corroborated by the clinical picture of intoxication by either of the preparations at the different dose levels employed. The dipyridium herbicides Gramoxon and Reglon do not form storage depots. In this particular case, it is a matter of functional cumulation subsequent to decompensation of the regulatory mechanisms ascribed to the toxic effect of the preparations, exerted mainly on the respiratory system.