Fig. 2.

3,4-DAP (2 mg/kg, s.c.) improves blood gas levels in mice at terminal stages of botulism. Mice were challenged with 2.2x LD₅₀ BoNT/A (i.v.) and observed for toxic signs of botulism. Following baseline recordings to establish minute volumes, intoxicated mice were treated s.c. with vehicle (n = 17) or 2 mg/kg 3,4-DAP (n = 7 at 30 minutes, n = 6 at 60 minutes, n = 6 at 90 minute). For comparison, cardiac blood was also analyzed from naïve mice (n = 12). At the indicated times after treatment, mice were sedated, and cardiac samples were analyzed for (A) pCO₂, (B) pH, (C) lactate, and (D) HCO₃⁻. Details of statistical comparisons are provided in Supplemental Table 1. *P < 0.05; **P < 0.01; ***P < 0.001; ****P < 0.0001. ns, not significant.