Osmosis as a factor in the local accumulation of leucocytes in the animal body

Abstract

Chemical forces have generally been held responsible for the chemotaxis of leucocytes. Some of the early classical experiments which led to this belief were repeated. The results showed that the work had been misinterpreted, and also indicated that the forces which were active in producing the phenomenon were physical in character.

These physical forces are the forces responsible for osmosis and diffusion. In a solution not at concentration equilibrium they will act in directions counter to each other.

In the aqueous solutions examined, leucocytes are shown to move in the direction of the osmotic force and opposite to the direction of the diffusing substances in solution.

This motion is explained as being due to the greater permeability of leucocytes for water and the fact that their total mass is negligible as compared to their content of water.