CHANGES IN THE LYSOZYME CONTENT OF THE NASAL MUCUS DURING COLDS

Abstract

There is an enzyme normally present in the nasal mucus called lysozyme, which is a powerful antiseptic. The present article is a preliminary report of the changes in the lysozyme content of the nasal mucus during the course of the common cold. This study is one of a series on the physiology and pathology of the defenses of the nose begun some years ago in connection with investigations of the common head cold. Most of the studies on the mechanical defenses have already been published. Lysozyme was first reported by Alexander Fleming¹ in 1922. It is found in most of the tissues and fluids of the body. It has been studied by a number of workers, most of whom are Europeans. Wolff² has worked on the chemistry; Hoder,³ on its relation to immunology; Oluf Anderson,⁴ on its importance in xerophthalmia and vitamin A deficiency; Goldworthy and