Studies on the defense mechanism of the body and neurohumoral regulation. I. On the neurohumoral influence upon the phagocytic function of the white blood cell.

Abstract

1. We found that the penicillin injection in the animal and in the human causes a marked activation of white blood cell function (phagocy-tosis and motility). 2. After the extirpation of the carotid sinus bodies, this penicillin action on the white cell function is markedly reduced or entirely dis-appeared. 3. In vitro experiment (penicillin and fresh blood are mixed in a test-tube) the above mentioned activation of the white cell function can-not be confirmed. 4. In the patients with marked liver disturbance the activation of white cell function through the penicillin injection is greatly decreased. 5. The activation of the white cell function through penicillin is similarly reduced in the animal with experimental liver disturbance caused by CCl4 olive-oil injection. 6. The activation of white cell phagocytosis and motility seems to be regulated by the neurohumoral mechanism.