Studies on the photosensitisation of animals in South Africa. I. The action of various fluorescent dyestuffs

Abstract

This paper records a series of attempts to produce photosensitization with fluorescent dyes, in order to study the condition in relation to "geeldikkop" in sheep. Merino sheep and goats were used. Eosin, erythrosine and bengal rose produced marked photosensitization in each case when the animal was exposed to strong sunlight. Dyestuffs of the anthracene group did not produce the condition. Of the acridine group, acriflavine produced a transitory photosensitization. Methylene blue produced the condition accompanied by haemolysis. Thionine blue and methylene violet were similar in their effects. No general icterus was observed as in "geeldikkop"