474 



Enzymes as Factors in Edema 



[Mar. 



enzyme Solution was 0.017 per cent. (o.i gram in 600 cc), the 

 strength of the acid was 0.025 per cent., and the duration of the 

 experiment was four hours. See Table 10. 



TABLE 10. 



The results of the ninth and tenth experiments (with collagen) 

 were especially striking in the differences which were obvious in the 

 heights of the columns of bloated material. 



GENERAL DEDUCTIONS 



The results of these experiments give added weight to our belief 

 that hydrolases markedly influence the absorption of water by 

 protoplasm. 



Our data indicate that both basic and acidic substances may 

 coöperate with proteases in increasing the absorption of water by 

 protein colloids. 



These experimental observations also accord with the supposi- 

 tion that edematous changes may result from the action of enzymes 

 independently of acidity or alkalinity. 



That the w^ater content of protoplasm is regulated, normally 

 and abnormally, by several important classes of substances, and by 

 inore than one direct influence, are fair inferences from the experi- 

 mental facts at band. 



Studies are now in progress on the influence of enzymes upon 

 the hydrophilic tendencies of tissues in neutral, acid and alkalin 

 media, and in the presence of salins, non-electrolytes and various 

 special substances. 



" Slight digestion. 



