Resistance to Bacteria in Hemorrhagic Shock. VII. Demonstration of Leucotoxin in Plasma of Shocked Rabbit. ∗

Abstract

Summary and Conclusions

1) Normal macrophages from the peritoneal cavity of the normal and shocked rabbit, and granulocytes from the irritated peritoneal cavity of the normal rabbit show no significant morphologic injury after immersion in normal rabbit plasma for one hour at 37°C. But after immersion in plasma from rabbits in hemorrhagic shock, a considerable percent of the cells show morphologic injury. A large number of granulocytes show changes similar to those characteristic of the L.E. cells. These changes are reversible if the shock plasma is replaced by normal plasma. 2) Shock plasma produces a severe depression of the phagocytic index; the percent of bacteria ingested is some 40% less than in normal plasma, and the percent of cells containing bacteria is some 30% less than in normal plasma. Shock plasma also reduces the bacteriostatic power of the phagocytes. The granulocyte in this respect appears to be damaged more severely than the macrophage. The extent of the injury produced by the plasma from rabbits in advanced shock appears to be no greater than that produced by the plasma of rabbits after two hours of shock, i.e. while they are still responsive to transfusion. The injurious property of plasma of the reversibly shocked rabbit persists, with undiminished potency, for at least four hours after transfusion. 3) It is concluded that a leucotoxin develops in the blood of the rabbit in hemorrhagic shock, and that this leucotoxin severely impairs the antibacterial potential of the animal.