Role Played by Leucocytes, Platelets and Plasma Trypsin in Peptone Shock in the Dog

Abstract

Data are presented to show that peptone shock is caused by a mechanism similar to that leading to anaphylactic shock. Participation of the white blood elements in the discharge of histamine and heparin from liver cells is definitely suggested by the fact that the severity of the shock is closely connected with the incapacity of those blood elements to return to the blood stream, and also by expts. with the isolated liver showing that peptone itself cannot release these elements. The final mediator of the release of these substances is activated trypsin since the platelets contain a kinase for plasma trypsin. Activation of this enzyme is shown by the fibrinolysis occurring after the injn. of peptone.