Effect of Local Edema and Inflammation in the Skin of the Mouse on the Progression of Herpes Virus

Abstract

Hypertonic solns. of NaCl, NH4C1, NaH2PO4, Na2SO4, KI and dextrose which produce local edema enhance the effect of herpes virus when injected subcut. as a preparatory treatment, while an irritant, turpentine-ether-olive oil in equal parts, retarded the development of the disease. To explain this action, the hypothesis is offered that the virus may be brought to the nerve fibers in the skin by way of the lymph channels. Hence edema, which opens these channels and renders their walls abnormally permeable, increasing the rate of flow, may bring the virus in contact with a greater number of nerve fibers in the corium; while in acute inflammation, total or partial blockade of the lymphatics may prevent or diminish such contact.