THE DEVELOPMENT IN VITRO OF PARTICLES FROM CYTOPLASM

Abstract

The incubation of cytoplasmic proteins, especially hemoglobin, in bacteriologic media at 37[degree]C resulted in the development of microscopically visible elements many of which resembled microbial forms. The conditions for particle development were those associated with enzymic reactions. The particles are believed to have developed as a result of enzyme action on cytoplasmic proteins in the presence of compounds having certain specific chemical configurations. Trace substances of the medium were required for particle formation. However, aniline dyes and deoxyribonucleic acid could substitute for the required substances. The relation of the particles to various "microorganisms," described in the literature as etiologic agents of disease and to the problem of seemingly positive blood cultures was discussed.