Effect of Reticulo-Endothelial Blockade on Immunity to the Shwartzman Phenomenon.

Abstract

A study has been made of the effect of reticulo-endothelial blockage upon natural or induced immunity of rabbits to the Shwartzman phenomenon. Striking results were obtained when colloidal thorium dioxide was used as the blocking agent. Rabbits that had shown a natural immunity, or had become immune following a series of previous Shwartzman reactions, responded, after the injection of colloidal thorium dioxide, by developing typical areas of hemorrhagic necrosis. In addition to eliciting a positive skin reaction in a previously immune animal, reticulo-endothelial blockade increased the injurious effect of the bacterial toxin, causing death in the majority of animals tested.