Generalized Shwartzman Reaction. V. Intravenous Injection of Colloidal Iron or Carbon on Response of Rabbits to Meningococcal Toxin

Abstract

Summary The intravenous injection of colloidal carbon or saccharate of iron oxide produces, in the rabbit, an alteration in the reactivity to gram negative bacterial toxins which resembles the effect of cortisone, thorotrast and trypan blue. An intradermal injection of toxin in such animals causes a local reaction of hemorrhagic necrosis which is similar to the local Schwartzman reaction, and an intravenous injection causes the development of bilateral cortical necrosis of the kidneys resembling the generalized Shwartzman reaction. It is suggested that the colloidal materials may produce these effects by interfering with normal protective functions of the reticuloendothelial system.