THE EXPERIMENTAL PRODUCTION OF EDEMA AND ELEPHANTIASIS AS A RESULT OF LYMPHATIC OBSTRUCTION

Abstract

Lymphatic obstruction was produced in a hind leg of 7 dogs (3 cases described), by repeated central cannulation of lymphatic trunks with injection of a suspension of crystalline silica and a 2.5% soln. of quinine hydrochloride. Lymphedema eventually became pronounced; the subcutaneous connective tissue increased and the leg gradually became elephantiasic. The protein content of the edema fluid rose slowly to above 4%. The part so affected became susceptible to attacks of acute infection. A hemolytic streptococcus was isolated from the edema fluid early in these attacks. The seizures were exactly like the attacks which occur in human cases of lymphedema and elephantiasis.