The Effect of the Intravenous Injection of Nonspecific Proteins Upon Experimental Corneal Ulcers

Abstract

The parenteral injection of foreign proteins is utilized extensively in ophthalmological practice. The reactions to such injections have been studied clinically and experimentally by a great number of workers. The large literature that has accumulated has been reviewed ade­ quately' 2 ' 3 ' 4 so that only a brief sum­ mary is necessary here. It is generally recognized that the results of protein in­ jections are a series of reactions involv­ ing practically all body tissues and fluids. These reactions are usually diphasic, the timing and magnitude of the phases de­ pending upon the quantity of protein in­ jected and upon the state of the recipient. The majority of the effects appear to re­ sult, directly or indirectly, from four principal reactions: fever, changes in vas­ cular tone, changes in capillary perme­ ability, and stimulation of leukocyte pro­ duction (possibly a stimulation of the whole reticulo-endothelial system). The vascular changes have been ascribed, on doubtful grounds, to general sympathetic stimulation, followed by inhibition. The capillary permeability is first increased and then decreased. Probably secondary to these vascular changes are a number of other effects, including the early leukopenia, increased lymph flow, increased glandular secretion, and an increase in