FURTHER STUDIES OF PLATELET REDUCING SUBSTANCES IN SPLENIC EXTRACTS

Abstract

Immediately after operative removal, spleens were ground up, extracted with acetone, the supernatant fluid evaporated, the residue diluted, filtered and injected into unselected young [male] rabbits. In 2 cases of idio-pathic thrombopenic purpura a marked reduction of platelets occurred with inj. of the extract. In a case of chronic malignant neutropenia, a strong platelet reducing factor was also present, but in a case of thrombopenic purpura associated with tuberculosis of the spleen, there was no definite evidence of a platelet reducing substance. The platelet reducing factor may not be specific for idiopathic thrombopenic purpura.