THE RÔLE OF THE SUPRARENAL GLAND IN THE NATURAL RESISTANCE OF THE RAT TO DIPHTHERIA TOXIN

Abstract

Between 2 and 3 weeks after the removal of the suprarenal glands rats are approximately 2 1/2 times as susceptible to diphtheria toxin as normal rats. The suprarenalectomized rats 4 hours after receiving an intraperitoneal injection of diphtheria toxin equivalent to 1 M.L.D. per gm. of body weight have 2.75 times as much toxin in the blood as normal rats. Suprarenal deficiency apparently hinders the normal mechanism of the rat for the elimination or destruction of diphtheria toxin.