Solution of Tissue with Abscess

In a former publication 1 I have shown that the two types of cells which especially act as phagocytes, namely the polynuclear leucocytes with fine granulation and the large mononuclear phagocyte or macrophage of Metschnikoff, are each characterized by a distinct proteolytic enzyme. That enzyme which is contained in the polynuclear leucocytes and as I have previously shown 2 is manufactured in the bone marrow is capable of causing proteolytic digestion in the presence of a neutral or alkaline reaction and is almost wholly incapable of action when placed in an acid medium. For this enzyme I have suggested the name leuco-protease, since it is characteristic of leucocytes contained in pus and other inflammatory exudates. The large mononuclear phagocytes of inflammatory exudates are especially concerned with the ingestion and destruction of cellular dement s ; the same cells are found in lymphatic glands adjacent to the site of inflammation and are doubtless identical with those which, for example, are abundant in the spleen lymphat ic glands and other situations with typhoid fever. These cells contain an enzyme which is incapable of digesting proteid in an alkaline medium but is active in the presence of a weak acid; I have suggested for this enzyme the name lympho-protease. The serum of an exudate produced by injecting aleurona t into the pleura1 cavity of a dog inhibits the proteolytic activity of leuco-protease 3. The serum of the blood has the same property. Since this enzyme contained in the polynuclear leucocytes is incapable of digesting proteid in the presence of the blood senma its action is limited to these cells;