THE INFLUENCE OF ANTITOXIN UPON THE ACTION OF CLOSTRIDIUM OEDEMATIENS TOXIN IN THE HEART-LUNG PREPARATION OF THE DOG 123

Abstract

In the heart-lung prepn. of the dog, C. oedematiens toxin produced pronounced loss of plasma and whole blood in the pulmonary circulation. This phenomenon was observed only after a definite latent period. The effects on the heart were minimal in comparison, for the heart was capable of increased work at the time when the pulmonary circulation was greatly impaired. Antitoxin counteracted the change in permeability of the pulmonary vessels if it was present in the system when toxin was given. It was less effective when given early in the latent period. Active immunization markedly diminished the toxic effects on the pulmonary circulation. In the immunized dog, the antitoxin was definitely present in the circulating blood, and the evidence was suggestive of the supposition that it may be present in the heart and lung tissue.