STUDIES IN SYNERGY : THE SYNERGIC ACTION OF STAPHYLOTOXIN AND BEEF LENS EXTRACT IN RABBITS

The degree of immunization and sensitization of rabbits following injections of beef lens is markedly increased when the animals are under the influence of staphylotoxin. Since the effect of the latter is exerted when the two substances are introduced separately into the same tissues with several hours elapsing between injections, or into different veins, it appears that an intimate association of them is unnecessary. A stimulating action of the toxin on the antibody-forming cells is a more probable explanation of the phenomena observed. Animals actively immune to staphylotoxin fail to show any synergic effect of this toxin when introduced with beef lens. Neutralization of the toxin in vitro, on the other hand, fails to eliminate this stimulating effect.