The Action of Pure Phosphatides on the Perfused Heart of the Frog

Abstract

Samples of lecithin and kephalin have been prepared in a high degree of purity, particularly with respect to water-soluble impurities. In this degree of purity neither was found to be a cardiac stimulant, a result contrary to the experience of others. It is suggested that the activity of the specimens used by others was due to a water-soluble impurity, possibly of the nature of an organic base.