Jamaica ginger and 'The Jake Leg'

The Jake Leg was an epidemic found primarily during the early 20th Century in 'dry' America. America in the early 20th Century was place rife with poison and one of the places that forensic since was born. The Jake Leg however was not a symptom of poisons employed by malicious murderers or ignorant architects, rather something people induced themselves. As the astute of you may have guessed this this is symptom of bootlegged alcohol poisoning, namely a type called Ginger Jake. Ginger Jake was the dry alcohol for the poorer folk in South America, who could not afford properly, illegally distilled alcohol.

Those readers who are not experts on prohibition America (what weirdos right?) may be asking what the jake leg was. The jake leg was in fact a particularly nasty symptom of ginger jake poisoning. The jake leg was in fact a partial paralysis, which was usually severe enough to force the sufferer to walk in a foot slapping, high stepping style. 

The Jake Leg was actually caused tri-orthocresyl (TOCP). Tri-orthocresyl is an organophosphate which is used as a solvent in industry (a plasticiser), especially in aircraft oil. It causes peripheral neuropathy, degeneration of the peripheral nerves, inhibiting communication between brain and extremities. 

This effect is primarily due to the reaction between TOCP and a particular enzyme in the nerves (it acts as an enzyme inhibitor). The TOCP enzyme complex then goes through a process known as ageing. The reaction with the protein occurs rapidly (taking roughly an hour), however the neuropath takes much longer to become evident (10 days at least). This is because the enzyme which is inhibited by TOCP is essential to nerve cell function. Therefore in the long cells in the arms and legs the nerves die progressively. This entails a degeneration of the myelin sheathe and nerve working upwards towards the spinal cord. 

Dry America was a dangerous place for many reasons, with radon in water, thallium in make up and TOCP in alcohol. Toxicology is the science that put a stop to this. It doesn't just ensure that murderers are brought to justice but helps to protect everyone from exposure to some of the deadliest chemicals out there. 

That concludes todays post, until nest time! Over and out.