PHAGOCYTOSIS 



289 



roughly parallel with the number of leucocytes per cubic milli- 

 metre (Fig. 69). 



This, however, was not corroborated by Bulloch and Leding- 

 ham in the case of the hyperleucocytosis caused by cinnamate 

 of soda. But it is highly doubtful whether leucocytes hurried 

 prematurely from the bone-marrow, etc., are, as the result of the 

 injection of chemical substances, as active functionally as those 

 occurring normally in that situation ; and this is corroborated 



FIG. 69. RELATION BETWEEN LEUCOCYTES, OPSONIC INDEX, AND TEMPERA- 

 TURE IN A CASE OF PNEUMONIA. (Eyre.) 



Dotted line = number of leucocytes per cubic millimetre ; thick line = opsonic 

 index; thin line = temperature. 



by the fact that these observers found the leucocytes in question 

 deficient in phagocytic powers. The point is one of some im- 

 portance in connection with the lack of benefit which so often 

 follows an artificial leucocytosis brought about for therapeutic 

 purposes. 



A few words on the subject of MetchnikofFs views on the op- 

 sonins may be added. He thinks that when bacteria gain access 

 to the blood or tissues, the presence of opsonins or other pre- 

 paratory substances is unnecessary, and the unaltered organisms 

 can be attacked by the fresh and vigorous leucocytes. The 



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