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THE RELATION OF THE LEUCOCYTIC BACTERIOLYSIN TO BODY FLUIDS.
1Laboratories of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, New York.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Horse leucocyte extract exhibits strong bactericidal effects in water but loses potency in bodily fluids like serum. Serum
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Leucocyte extracts possess bactericidal properties.
- The interaction of these extracts with biological fluids affects their efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bactericidal activity of horse leucocyte extracts.
- To determine the factors in blood serum and tissue fluids that inhibit this activity.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of horse leucocyte extract.
- Testing bactericidal activity in various solutions (distilled water, saline, serum, tissue fluids).
- Fractionation of blood serum to identify inhibitory components.
Main Results:
- Leucocyte extract was bactericidal in distilled water and physiological saline.
- Activity was lost when mixed with blood serum or tissue fluids.
- Serum's inhibitory effect was attributed to colloids, crystalloids, and alkalies.
- Boric acid partially restored activity in some inactive mixtures.
Conclusions:
- The bactericidal properties of leucocyte extracts are significantly modulated by the surrounding biological environment.
- Serum components play a crucial role in neutralizing leucocyte extract's antimicrobial action.
- Understanding these interactions is key to harnessing leucocyte extract's therapeutic potential.
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