Abstract
Summary
The activity of chymotrypsin, plasmin and trypsin in serum and edema fluid was determined manometrically. It was found that only chymotrypsin, of the enzymes tested, could be found in an active form in these fluids. The volume of edema and its protein concentration were compared in pleural irritated and irritated-chymotrypsin treated rats. Flow rate and protein composition of thoracic duct lymph were also compared between both groups. Changes in lymph and edema in the 2 groups indicate that chymotrypsin increases the rate of flow of lymph from the pleural space without a concomitant increase in capillary permeability. No attempt was made to describe the mechanism responsible for this increase in lymph flow.
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