Failure of methyl palmitate induced reticuloendothelial blockade to affect plasma levels of factor 8.

By EVELYN GAYNOR AND THEODORE H. SPAET T HE SITE OF antihemophihic globulin ( Factor VIII ) synthesis is unknown. Since implication of the reticuloendothelial system ( RES ) has been suggested by several investigators,1’4 and others5’#{176} have suspected a splenic role, the effects of RES blockade on plasma levels of Factor VIII have been studied. Methyl palmitate induces selective depression of the RES, as measured by impaired phagocytic activity and depressed immune response. Unlike other RES-blockading agents, methyl palmitate causes neither liver parenchymal cell damage nor secondary hypertrophy of the RES cell mass. Moreover, its effect is relatively prolonged, causing impairment of colloidal carbon clearance for up to 72 hours after a single injection.7