Benjamin Blattberg

Increase in Bactericidal Activity as a Result of Injection of Zymosan

Summary 1. Bactericidal activity against Escherkhia coli B was increased in rabbits and guinea pigs as a result of injections of zymosan mixed with egg-white and incorporated in Freund adjuvants. 2. These rabbits and guinea pigs responded to intracutaneous injection of zymosan with the Arthus phenomenon. 3. Zymosan absorbed the bactericidal activity without affecting the hemolytic activity of the sera. 4. The possible anti-genicity of zymosan is discussed.

Effect of Starvation on Phagocytosis in vivo.

Conclusion Leucocytes obtained from rats well fed for 4 weeks prior to a 36-hour period of starvation were compared with leucocytes from continuously well fed rats. The starved group showed twice the percentage of phagocytosing W.B.C. which had engulfed 3 times the number of bacteria.

Antigenicity of Zymosan

Summary Heat stable antibodies to zymosan were produced in rabbits and measured by quantitative agglutination. The increased bactericidal activity for Escherichia coli B resulting from injections of zymosan could be absorbed by E. coli B. Some aspects of the antigenicity of zymosan are discussed.

Properdin Titers of Dogs Surviving Hemorrhagic Hypotension.

Summary Fifteen dogs were bled to mean arterial pressure of 35 mm Hg for 135 min, after which shed blood was reinfused. Seven animals survived longer than 72 hours. Serum properdin levels fell in all dogs during posttransfusion phase but titers of non-survivors were significantly more depressed than those of survivors. In survivors, properdin levels rose during next few days and reached a level considerably above control by 4th to 8th day, then started to decline toward control. Dogs subjected to more severe conditions of hypotensive shock but perfused by way of superior mesenteric artery showed a similar pattern.