The experiments seem to indicate that the toxicity of HCN and KCN for amebæ is due to their effect on the cell membrane and not on the internal protoplasm.
Concentrated solutions (N/10–N/300) of HCN or KCN produce an initial increase in viscosity of the protoplasm of amebæ (immersed) which is followed by liquefaction and disintegration of the cell. Dilute solutions of HCN or KCN decrease the viscosity of the protoplasm of amebæ.
Injections of HCN or KCN into amebæ produce a reversible decrease in viscosity of the protoplasm.
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Copyright, 1928, by The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research
1928
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