Quantitative Studies on the Neutralization of Pathogenic Agents in Tissues by Circulating Antibodies

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Abstract
Summary: The effect of substances augmenting capillary permeability, on the in vivo reactions between toxins and antitoxins, has been studied. The capillary effect can be demonstrated by the indirect intracutaneous test with diphtheric toxin and the indirect intramuscular test with tetanal toxin. It cannot be demonstrated by the indirect intramuscular test with diphtheric toxin. These findings have been explained on the basis of the nerve carriage theory of Meyer and Ransom. Nutrient broth, Difco peptone, Savita broth without peptone, histamine, the blood group substances, saliva, testicular extract and leech extract were shown to have a strong capillary effect. It is undecided whether or not the capillary effect of the blood group substances is due to impurities. The capillary factor in testicular extract is distinct from the spreading factor. Most substances affecting capillary permeability increase capillary permeability to such an extent that the concentrations of antitoxin in blood plasma and tissue fluid become identical. The indirect test provides a convenient method for studying the effects of substances affecting capillary permeability quantitatively. Some practical implications of our findings are discussed.

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