-19^6- 



438. BECK, L. V. 



The Shear tumor-necrotizlng bacterial polysaccharide as a pyrogen 

 Federation Proc. 5s 6, 1946 (Abstract) 



After a maximum rise in temperature of 2 to 3° C. was produced 

 by the polysaccharide from S» marcescens , increased amounts of 

 the substance did not bring about further increases. A weak 

 fever reaction was shown with lethal and semi-lethal dosages 

 (20 to 100 micrograms per kg.), and death usually occurred 

 within 24 hours after administration. An extremely rapid and ex- 

 tensive decrease in ear temperature accompanied fever; skin temp- 

 eratures appeared to parallel those of the rectum. When rabbits 

 were tied down in the copper trough of an animal table, rectal 

 temperature was held to near normal levels; ear temperatures re- 

 mained below normal. The fever reaction was not altered appreciably 

 when animals were restrained on cardboard. It required 500 mg. 

 per kgo body weight of acetyl salicylic acid to counteract the 

 fever reaction. Isopyrene was more effective (150 mg. per kg.) 

 while dial, 40 mg, per kg. intravenously was the most active 

 antipyretic agent. 



439. BECK, Lo v., and FISHER, M. 



Physiological Studies on tumor -inhibiting agents. I. Effect of 

 S. marcescens polysaccharide on rectal temperatures in normal and 

 In tumor -bearing mice 



Cancer Res. 6; 489, 1946 (Abstract) 



In the normal rabbit 0.005 micrograms pet kg. of the polysaccharide 

 from S. marcescens produces a measurable fever when injected intra- 

 venously; 0.5 micrograms per kg. provokes high fever. The largest 

 amount of polysaccharide administered to the rabbit was lOQpmicro- 

 grams per kg. body weight. No other pyrogenic substance has been 

 found to possess so intense a pyretogenic action for the rabbit. 



In the mouse, relationships are not clearly defined between tumor- 

 necrotizing activity of the polysaccharide and its pyrogenic 

 action. In these experiments, both normal and tumor-bearing mice 

 received a total dose of 0.10 to 10 micrograms (0.4 to 400 micro- 

 grams per Kg.) intravenously and 0.5 to 10 micrograms intraperi- 

 toneally. Larger amonnts of polysaccharide produced no increases 

 in rectal temperatures; subnormal temperatures were noted, which 

 were more pronounced and enduring in the tumor-bearing mouse. 

 The larger the tumor the greater were such temperature decreases 

 and the reduction in the chance of survival. 



440. BECK, L, V. and FISHER, M, 





