508 CYTOTOXINS 



jecting the digestate, he produced symptoms resembling eclampsia in the 

 lower animals. It was hoped that an anticytotoxic serum might be pre- 

 pared to combat the effects of the placentotoxin, but this hope has not 

 been realized. Renewed interest in this particular subject has 

 been manifested by the recent studies of Abderhalden in ferments as 

 applied to the diagnosis of pregnancy (p. 248). 



8. Neurotoxin. This toxin has been prepared and studied by Dele- 

 zenne, Centanni, Delille, and others, by immunization experiments with 

 emulsions of cerebrum, cerebellum, and spinal cord. When injected 

 into the brain direct, these serums may cause profound intoxication of 

 the nerve-centers, with torpor or convulsions, subnormal temperature, 

 and death. When injected directly into the veins, they are usually 

 without effect. In addition to their neurotoxic action, they are generally 

 hemolytic, and frequently endotheliotoxic and leukotoxic. 



9. Thyrotoxins. This serum is prepared by immunizing animals 

 with emulsions of thyroid gland. Thyrotoxins were quite prominently 

 before the profession a few years ago, owing to the work of Beebe, who 

 advocated their use in the treatment of various goiters. They have not 

 fulfilled their expectations, however, since they may also produce de- 

 generative changes in the various organs, as the liver, spleen, and kid- 

 neys. 



ROLE OF CYTOTOXINS IN IMMUNITY 



It is apparent that, according to our present knowledge, the cyto- 

 toxins proper, although they possess great theoretic importance from 

 their possible relationship to the removal and disposal of enfeebled and 

 dead cells, occupy a subsidiary place in the processes of immunity. The 

 processes governing these changes are finally and delicately balanced, 

 and although obscure, they offer an intricate but fascinating field for 

 research. 



If the ferments concerned in Abderhalden's studies are related in 

 any way to the cytolysins, the subject becomes of great interest, and a 

 new field, with immense possibilities, is opened for further study. 



Practical Applications. (1) In therapeutics the cytotoxins have not 

 established a place for themselves and their use has been disappointing. 

 As previously stated, the use of thyrotoxic serums has not met with 

 considerable success; epitheliotoxic serums have likewise not been 

 efficient in the treatment of cancer. They possess theoretic interest, 

 however, from the possibility of their so injuring glands that their func- 

 tions may be studied; theoretically, the use of minute and carefully 



