Stephen I. Morse

The treatment of sarcoidosis with chloroquine

Abstract Chloroquine has been administered to seven patients with chronic sarcoidosis. In each instance there was considerable improvement of the cutaneous lesions. Regression of extracutaneous lesions was more variable, but improvement was often observed; this was particularly true of mucous membrane and thoracic node involvement. Associated with the clinical response, elevated sedimentation rates and high gamma globulin levels returned toward normal. It is suggested that chloroquine may be a useful drug for the treatment of many patients with sarcoidosis, and further studies are in progress to define the situations in which its use is of most benefit.

Cardiac Lesions in Rabbits after Pharyngeal Infections with Group A Streptococci.

Summary The majority of rabbits subjected to single intrapharyngeal infections with group A streptococci developed cardiac lesions characterized by muscle necrosis, cellular infiltration with mononuclear cells and Anitschkow myocytes and disruption of collagen. After multiple infections, fibrosis occurred and giant cells were also observed. Bacteria could not be demonstrated in any lesion. In 3 control groups, comparable lesions were absent in the hearts of all but one rabbit. The appearance of myocardial lesions within 24 hours of induction of pharyngeal infection suggests that a non-immunologic mechanism is involved.

Production of Streptococcal Infections in Pharynx of the Rabbit.

Summary 1. A method is described for production of Group A streptococcal pharyngeal infections in rabbits. 2. After intrapharyngeal inoculation, transient bacteremia usually occurred, followed by temperature elevations to 48 hours and significant rises in ASO titers 4 weeks later. 3. Bacteria were demonstrable in pharyngeal tissues at 48 hours, and in some instances small abscesses were seen. 4. The method described affords another means of studying effects of repeated group A infections under conditions simulating those which obtain in man.