Experimental Necrotizing Arteriolitis Induced by a Protein Cleavage Product

Abstract

With K. F. Semsroth, formerly of this Institute, one of us (Mellon) initiated experiments that have been substantially amplified and extended through the assistance of the above collaborators. The few original experiments were the outgrowth of unpublished studies by one of us (Mellon), attempting to correlate the antiseptic action of iodine with its wound healing power—the inference appearing justified that it might be partially accounted for by its neutralization of certain toxic products of protein decomposition, originating perhaps from the tissues or from microorganisms. In support of this point of view Eppinger, 1 found that iodine neutralized the toxicity of putrifying meat pulp. He inferred from his experiments that the toxicity was due to certain unsaturated protein cleavage products, of which allylamine is a type. From our standpoint, the pertinent pathological effect of allylamine as shown by him is a marked increase of endothelial permeability.

It was, therefore, natural to see whether allylamine applied to wounds would delay their healing, and to observe whether the effect on the endothelium was reflected in detectable morphologic alterations in the vessel walls. Both effects were observed, the latter being of a noteworthy character, consisting in their close similarity to the experimental arteriolitis of Klinge 2 as shown in his hyperergic vascular lesions, and to the necrotizing arteriolitis and malignant nephrosclerosis of Fahr. 3