The anatomical effect of certain drugs on the purkinje cells of the cerebellum

Abstract

The purpose of this series of experiments is to determine if certain drugs produce structural changes in the higher brain cells, of which the Purkinje cell is taken as a type. It is known from physiological experiments and the ordinary experience of life; that certain drugs do produce functional activity, but whether these functional changes are accompanied by anatomical changes in the brain cell is unknown. If there are any anatomical changes, are these the changes of normal functional activity? The two drugs used in this series of experiments were alcohol and caffeine.The reason for choosing these drugs was because of their importance, due to their wide use. Alcohol is contained in many medicines and beverages, while caffeine is found in tea and coffee, and at present in many summer drinks that are dispensed at the soda fountains.