SOME CATALYTIC ASPECTS OF DISEASE AND DRUGS 225 



(6) Fibrinolysin. Can cause lysis of fibrin clots. Found only in 

 pathogenic strains; but action is much slower than fibrolysin found 

 in hemolytic streptococci. 21 



Inflammation. Professor Valy Menkin of Temple University finds 

 that inflammation is characterized by the formation of various com- 

 mon denominators, which are liberated from cells previously injured 

 by an irritant. The following substances have thus far been identified 

 in inflammatory exudates: 



(1) Leucotaxine. Seems to be a peptide, possibly with attached 

 prosthetic group. It increases capillary permeability and leucocyte 

 migration. 



(2) Leucocytosis-promoting Factor. Protein in character, or associ- 

 ated with proteins. It induces discharge of immature leucocytes 

 from the bone marrow, where it also causes marked hyperplasia of 

 granulocytes and megakaryocytes. 



(3) Necrosin. A toxic material in the euglobulin fraction of the 

 exudate. It enters the general circulation and can damage essential 

 structures. Possibly it is a proteolytic enzyme. 



(4) Pyrexin. Apparently a hydrolytic product formed by necrosin 

 or associated enzymes. Separable from the euglobulin fraction. It 

 produces fever, probably via the hypothalmic heat-regulating nerve 

 centers. 22 



(5) Leukopenic Factor. May be only a separate factor in pyrexin, 

 but seems to be a polypeptide when separated from pyrexin or 

 otherwise recovered. Apparently it leads to rapid trapping of leuco- 

 cytes in the alveolar walls of the lungs, in the sinusoids of the liver, 

 and in the spleen. 



(6) Dextrose. Formed on protein breakdown. In diabetics, this 

 may enhance the diabetes, when there is a superimposed infection. 

 The emergence and the extent of these various factors in the syn- 

 drome of inflammation varies with the nature of the irritant and its 

 amount, and with the animal involved. The degree of injury done to 

 the cells varies, even in individuals of the same species. The view 

 here maintained is that these specific substances owe their origin to 

 interference with normal cellular catalysis. While some catalyst 

 changes may be reversible or recoverable, others may be irreversible 

 or irreplaceable, and may lead to the death of the cell and the chem- 

 ical breakdown of its constituents. Pus contains many dead leucocytes 

 in addition to necrotic material, as well as living and dead bacteria. 



It must not be supposed, however, that the catalytic or enzymic 

 aspects of diseases represent isolated entities that can be dissected 

 out from the other related facts. For example, interference with 

 the blood supply to cells, whether brought about by mechanical 



