On the relation of white blood cells and platelets to venom hemolysis

Removal of the white cells and platelets from suspensions of red cells usually produces substantial reduction in the hemolytic activity of venoms. Guinea pig red cells constitute a notable exception and may be lysed by a direct action of venom. White blood cells and platelets appear to contribute to hemolysis by serving as sources of phosphatides for the formation of lysophosphatides. No correlation could be found between phospholipase activity and direct hemolytic activity of venoms. A recently described method (8) of paper chromatographic separation of phospholipides has been used successfully in part of the work.