Hepatic Reactions in Anaphylaxis

Summary

1. Unneutralized Witte's peptone, tested by perfusion methods on isolated canine tissues, gives mechanical reactions in the following parts:

   1. a. Isolated liver: Marked increase in perfusion resistance, reaching its maximum by the end of one minute, with partial or complete recovery by the end of eight minutes.

   2. b. Isolated lungs: Reactions similar to those in the isolated liver. The reactions, however, are more pronounced, with practically no tendency to recovery by the end of eight minutes.

   3. c. Isolated intestines: Slight decrease in perfusion resistance, reaching its maximum by the end of one minute, with partial recovery by the end of eight minutes.

   4. d. Isolated hind quarters: Reactions similar to these in the isolated intestines, but with less tendency to recovery by the end of eight minutes.

   5. e. Isolated heart: Reactions intermediary between those in the isolated liver and the isolated hind quarters.

2. 2. The combined effect of these mechanical reactions is conceivably sufficient to account for the characteristic clinical picture of peptone shock.