PHYS IOLOUICAL CHEMISTRY. Phgsiologioal Chemistry i. 119 The Regulation of Neutrality by the Respiratory Centre and its Stimulability in Maintaining the Carbon Dioxide Tension of the Blood. KARL A. HASSELBALCH (Biochem. Zeitech. 19 12 46 403-439).-The conception underlying these investigations is the following The magnitude of the lung ventilation is regulated by the magnitude of the stimulus and the stirnulability of the breath- ing centre. The stimulus is the excess of the hydrogen-ion concentra- tion above normal of the blood. A given magnitude of stimulus will cause a greater ventilation of the lungs the greater the stirnulability of the centre and vice versa. The C of the blood will alter therefore in the inverse ratio to the stirnulability of the centre. This theory was tested in the following way Considerable changes in the C of the urine were brought about on normal individuals by changes in the diet.The magnitude of the changes thus caused were greater than deviations from the normal found in pathological urine. The eEect oE such a change was to cause a change in the tension of the alveolar carbon dioxide in an opposite direction. It was experimentally shown furthermore that the changes in diet did not affect the stimulability of the centre. This fact was ascertained by measuring the effect on the respiration of breathing increased quantities of carbon dioxide. It was further found that the C of the blood (measured under a constant carbon dioxide tension) altered under varying conditions of diet in thei. 120 ABSTRACTS OF CHEBIICAL PAPERS.same direction as the C of the urine. The alveolar carbon dioxide tension appears to alter in such a way that the actual C of arterial blood (measured under the same carbon dioxide tension as exists in the arteries) remains R constant under the varying conditions. The theory is supported by experiments in which the stimulability of the centre was artifically diminished (as for example by morphine) or increased. 8. B. S. Absence of Apncea After Forced Breathing WALTER I\I. BOOTHBY (J. Physiol. 1912 45 328-337).-In some persons forced breathing is not followed by apncea; the loss of carbon dioxide consequent on forced breathing is made up within a few minutes but not so rapidly as when apnaea occurs. This exceptional condition is probably due to a compensating diminution of the circulation through the respiratory centre in consequence of which the gas tensions in the centre are still capable of exciting it.TiT. D. H. The Differences in Composition between Arterial and Venous Blood. HUGO WIENER (Zeitsch. physiol. Chem. 19 12 82 243-265).-The total protein in the blood of the renal vein is less than in that of the carotid artery and femoral vein (dog). Venous blood is relatively rich in globulin but this is not so marked in the blood of the renal vein. In nephritis the reverse obtains. W. D. H. Distribution of Sodium and Potassium in the Animal Organism. P. J. G~RARD (Chem. Zentv. 1912 ii 846-847; from Bull. Sci. pharm. 1912 19 265-283).-1n three successive vene- sections the ratio K Na in rabbit’s blood varied between 0.68 and 0.61.The sodium in contrast to the potassium remained constant deficiences of the former being replaced by sodium withdrawn from the tissues. The ratio was also determined in various marine and land animals and in various secretions. The author when working with mice and frogs was unable to confirm the antagonistic action of sodium salts on the toxic action of potassium salts as demonstrated by Loeb in the case of Fundulus. The toxic action of potassium depends to a large extent on the concentration of the solution employed. S. B. S. The Influence of Nitrogenous Metabolism Products which Occur Naturally in Blood and Urine on the Blood Pressure. E. LOUIS BACKMAN (Chem. Zentr. 1912 ii 624; from Zentr. Physiol. 1912 26 166-169).-Urea in from 2-10% solutions in saline caused a rise of blood-pressure (maximum 26 mm.mercury) when injected into rabbits. Ammonium carbamate in 0.5% solution caused a lasting rise whereas in 0.1% solution it exerted no action. Ammouium carbonate in 0.6% solution caused a lowering of blood- pressure (maximum 38 mm.) but in 0.1% solution a lasting rise. Six % ammonium hippurate caused a transient rise (9 mm.) followed by a lowering. Three % solutions caused a slight rise. Creatine hypoxant hine and sodium urate caused lasting rises. Allantoin inPHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. i. 121 2% solution caused a lasting rise (maximum 5 mm.) and in 1% also a rise after a considerable latent period. Urea also exerts an influence on the heart beats. A mixture of 2% urea 0.05% ammonium carb- amate 1% sodium hippurate 1% creatine 0.2% hypoxanthine 0.01% xanthine 0.03% sodium urate causes a large (maximum 46 mm.) and long lasting rise but has small influence on the frequency of the heart beat.The investigations indicate that nitrogenous metabolism products exert an autoregulatory function in the organism and their action explains certain pathological conditions in gout and nephritis. S. B. S . The Part Played by the Suprarenals in the Normal Vascular Reactions of the Body. G. VON ANREP (J. Physiol. 19 12 45 307-31 7).-Stimulation of the splancbnic nerves causes a rise of blood-pressure which occurs in two phases. The second phase is accompanied by constriction of peripheral blood-vessels (even after denervation) and by increased cardiac activity (also after denervation).This second rise is due to discharge of adrenaline into the circulation and is absent after extirpation of- the two suprarenal glands. W. D. H. Local Vascular Reactions and their Interpretation. G. VON ANREP (J. Physiol. 191 2 45 318-327).-The contraction of blood- vessels described by Bayliss as a local reaction of the vessel wall to increased internal pressure is due to the action of adrenaline the secretion of which is increased under the conditions of his experiments. The dilatation of blood-vessels ascribed by Bayliss to lowering of internal pressure is due to the direct action on the vessel walls of asphyxia1 products. W. D. H. Glycolysis. 111. The Influence of Glycine and Boric Acid Anions on the Oxidative Deatruction of Dextrose in the Presence of Phosphates.WALTHER LOB and S. GUTMANN (Biochem. Zeitsch. 1912 46 288-295. Compare A. 1911 ii 504)-It has been already shown that phosphate mixture accelerates the destruction of dextrose by hydrogen peroxide. This is not due to the neutrality of the medium but is specific for phosphates as no acceleration takes place when neutral borate or other mixtures of the same hydrogen-ion concentration are employed. The authors now show that the addition of such a borate mixture to the phosphate mixture exerts no very marked action whereas a similar glycine mixture (prepared according to Sorensen) exerts a marked inhibitory action on the glycolysis. S. B. S. The Significance of Proteolysis in Specific Hmmolysis. KOHBHI OHTA (Biochem. Zeitsch.1912 46 247-252).-An immune serum (sheep’s blood into rabbit) haernolyses the specific blood (of sheep) without any proteoly sis. The Influence of the Hydrogen-ion Concentration on Specific Precipitin Reactions. LEONOR MICHAELIS and HEIN- RICH DAVIDSOHN (Biochem. Zeitsch. 1912 4’7 59-72).-The forma- S. B. S.i. 122 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. tion of specific precipitins and agglutins is within wide limits independent of the hydrogen-ion concentration. This factor only comes into play to any extent when the reacting substances are in very dilute solutions. I n this respect the precipitin reaction differs from the non-speci6c precipitation of colloids as no optimal conditions for precipitin reaction analogous to the isoelectric point could be discovered. These results indicate that there is some specific chemical affinity coming into play and the electric charge of the particles plays only a subordinate part.S. B. S. The Coagulation of Blood. ERNST FULD and ERICH SCHLESINGER (Chenx. Zentr. 1912 ii 1569; from &3&n klin. woc?~ 1912 49 1323-1 327).-Dialysis of the blood against an isosmotic salt solution deprives the plasma of its power of coagulating the crystalloid which is removed being the calcium salt of fibrin. The absence of this salt also hinders the formation of another necessary element i n coagula- tion namely the fibrin ferment for the development of which cytothrombin from the cells and plasmothrombin from the plasma are also necessary. The injection of cytothrombin into a vein a t once causes coagulation owing to the formation of this ferment neothrombin.The smallest amounts of enzymes would soon set up fermentation processes which would hinder the circulation were there not also present substances which prevent coagulation. Fibrin may be redissolved by fi brinolysis which is partly due to salt action and also to an enzymatic agent thrombase. J. C W. The Dissociation of Oxyhzemoglobin in Human Blood During Partial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. J. B. S. HALDANE (Proc. physiol. Soc. 19 12 xxii-xxiv ; J. Physiol. 45).-The presence of carboxyhamoglobin in the blood delays the dissociation of the oxyhsmoglobin present so that even though the amount of oxy- hsmoglobin may be half the normal (a3 it may also be in a man with anaemia without grave results) the combination of the remaining half of the haemoglobin with carbon monoxide produces a serious state of affairs.W. D. H. Blood-relationships of Animals as Displayed in the Com- position of the Serum-proteins. I. A Comparison of the Serum of the Horse Rabbit Rat and Ox in the Normal and Fasting Condition. T. BRAILSFORD ROBERTSON (J. Biol. Chsm. 1912 13 325-340).-The amounts of insoluble globulin total globulin and total albumin in serum were determined by the author's refractomctric method. In the rabbit the results agree with those arrived at by others in other ways. Horse serum yields not more than 40% of the total albumin in crystalline form. I n fully fed animals the three groups of proteins vary greatly ; but the average values are charact,eristic of the species.I n fasting the total protein is also highly variable; in starvation it rises. I n rabbit ox and horse inanition increases the relative amount of albumin whereas in r a t and dog the reveree obtains. W. D. H.PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. i. 123 The Diastatic Action of Human Saliva. GOXCHI HIRATA (Biochem. Zeitsch. 191 2 47 167-183).-The diastatic value of saliva (as determined by Wohlgemuth’s method) remains practically constant throughout the day arid is not influenced by the time of meals or the diet. The value is also independent of the amount of saliva secreted and of the age or sex of the individual. It has the same value in certain pathological cases investigated as in normal cases and appears to be uninfluenced by the hzemoglobin content of the blood. In the case OF the Japanese it varies between Dii 160 and 640 in different individuals.S. B. S. Formation of Hydrochloric Acid in the Stomach. J. L~PEZ- SU~REZ (Biochem. Zeitsch. 1912 46 490-499).-The author discusses the evidence as to the acid-secreting function of the oxyntic cells of the stomach and considers that this has not been demonstrated. By direct chemical analysis he shows that the mucous membrane of the fundus contains more chlorine than that of the pylorus. He. shows furthermore by Macallurn’s histological method that the ordinary cells contain more chlorine than the oxyntic cells. S. B. S. The Fat-hydrolysing Ferment in Gastric Juice and its Esti- mation. HEINRICH DAVIDSOHN (Chem. Zentr. 19 12 ii 1 378-1 379 ; from Bed. kZin. Woch. 1912 49 1132-1134).-Rona and Michaelis’s drop method for following the course of butyrin hydrolysis (A.1911 ii 303) has been applied to a large number of gastric juices and a widely varying enzyme action has been observed. Directions are given whereby the method may be applied to the estimation of this hydrolytic enzyme J. C. W. Tryptic Digestion of Cynoscion regalis. GEORGE F. WHITE and ADRIAN THOMAS (J. Biol. Chem. 1912 13 lll-l16).-The flesh of Cynoscion vegalis an American fish known commonly as the weak- fish or squeteague was subjected to tryptic digestion in vitro and the amino-acids in the digest were determined by Sorensen’s formaldehyde method. The results were regular and in accord with those obtained by van Slyke’s nitrous acid method for estimating amino-nitrogen. The relatively low rate at which the protein besomes soluble agrees with the results of metabolism experiments. Very low cleavage products are formed as soon as the protein passes into solution the average size of the peptides being 2-02 after half an hour’s digestion; but there is a very stable nitrogen complex which is not attacked by trypsin.W. D. H. Animal Calorimetry. V. The Influence of the Ingestion of Amino-acids on Metabolism. GRAHAM LUSK and J. A. RICHE (J. Biol. Chem. 1912 13 155-184. Compare A. 1912 ii 1189).- After giving meat the metabolism of the dog during the second hour rose almost to a maximum and the respiratory quotient was 0.9; it therefore appears that carbohydrate and not additional protein is oxidised during this period. After the ingestion of amino-acids and especially of glycine there is a similar increase in the metabolism ;i.124 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. this can have nothing to do with deamidation or urea-formation but is attributed to a direct stimulating action of the amino-acids on the cells of the body. A mixture of five amino-acids produced a more rapid metabolism than when given singly and more than meat con- taining the same amount of nitrogen. Animal Calorimetry. VI. The Influence of Mixtures of Food-stuffs on MeOabolism. GRAHAM LUSH and J. A. RICHE (J. Bid. Chem. 1912 13 185-208).-Further details are given of the effect of diet on metabolism and the conception of the process put forward is that to a basal metabolism (at rest) there may be added meta- bolism due to plethora that is an increased supply of fats and carbo- hydrates or the superadded metabolism may be due to the stimulus of amino-acids.When these two are added to each other there is no summation of effects. W. D. H. W. D. H. Fatty Acid Metabolism in the Liver. 11. The Relation of the Fatty Acids in the Food of the Plaice to those in their Livers and Myotomes. V. H. MOTTRAH (J. Physiol. 1912 45 363-369).-The fatty acids of the mussel have a high iodine value which falls between that of the fatty acids of the liver and those of the lozyotomes of the plaice. Such fatty acids are therefore not character- istic of the vertebrates and they occur before the appearance of a true liver Their formation is not exclusively a liver function. The experiments on the feeding of plaice on mussels cannot however be considered a refutation of Leathes’ theory of the deaaturating influence of the liver in fatty acid metabolism.The BiochemicalSynthesisof Fatty AcidsfromCarbohydrates. IDA SMEDLEY (Proc. phyvsiol. Xoc. 191 2 xxv-xxvii’; J. Physiol. 45).-Various hypotheses to explain the conversion of carbohydrate into fat are discussed. Although pyruvic and other a-keto-acids have not yet been detected in the tissues the theory is favoured that pyruvic acid is an intermediate product. Maintenance Experiments with Isolated Proteins. THOMAS B. OSBORNE LAFAYETTE B. MENDEL and EDNA L. FERRY (J. Biol. Chem. 1912,13 233-276).-Details are given and general questions discussed on the nutrition of white rats for long periods on foods con- taining a single purified protein.With the precautions described this is possible and they can be so maintained for periods equal to their adult lives. This is true for gliadin edestin and casein which are proteins of very different composition. As glycine is absent from casein lysine and glycine from gliadin and phosphoproteins from gliadin and edestin and purines throughout are practically absent the synthetic activities of fhe animal body are clearly brought to mind. The possibilities of transmutation of amino-acids must be con sidered and the view that proteins as near as possible in constitution to those in an animal’s body are most nutritious must be regarded with caution Long-continued experiments are necessary in all such work. Changes in the nitrogen balance over short periods may be entirely deceptive.W. D. H. W. D. H. W. D. H.PHYSIOLOCIICAL CHEMISTRY. i. 125 The Influence of Lecithin on the Nitrogen and Phosphorus Balance. ALDO PATTA (Chem. Zentr. 1912 ii 939-940 ; from Arch. Parm. sperim. 1912 13 515-528).-Small quantities of lecithin (0.05 to 0.10 gram) administered subcutaneously to a dog scarcely altered the nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism when there was a small deficit in these substances. Larger doses (0-5 t o 0.75 gram) caused a sparing action which was small when the nitrogen and phosphorus ingested were insufficient but was marked when these elements were in excess of the body needs The sparing action of the phosphorus was larger than the amount injected as lecithin and the fdct that the injection caused an increase of the nitrogen in the urine at the expense of the fecal nitrogen indicates that the lecithin Retention of Nitrogen after Feeding on Ammonium Salts.E. GRAFE (Zeitsch. phyrrioz. Chem. 1912 82 347-376).-The present experiments on pigs confirm those previously recorded on dogs (A. 1912 ii 659). Administration of ammonium salts mixed with abundance of carbohydrate-leads to nitrogenous equilibrium or even a retention of nitrogen. The Creatine Metabolism of the Growing Pig. ELMER V. MCCOLLUM and H. STEENBOCK (J. Biol. Chem. 1912 13 209-218).- In some animals (for instance the rabbit) fasting causes the appear- ance of creatine in the urine. I n dogs depletion of the liver of glycogen leads to the same result and Mendel and Rose (A. 1911 ii 1002 1007) consider that there is a definite relationship between creatine and carbohydrate metabolism ; they further think that creatine is not a result of exogenous protein metabolism but only of endogenous metabolism.The present experiments on pigs were planned to investigate this question but it was found that in this animal fasting does not lead to the appearance of creatine in the urine; this is explained in differences of metabolic habit. When a rabbit fasts the total nitrogen excreted rises indicating an increase of protein katabolism. This does not happen in the dog or only slightly and not a t all in the pig. The pig is an efficient fat-storer RO he might be expected to use it readily for energy production. On an uniform diet considerable irregularities in the excretion of creatine occur and the idea that creatine is destroyed by enzymes is supported. Data are also given which leave but little doubt that creatine may arise from exogenous as well as from endogenous protein metabolism and that its source or one of its sources is arginine is regarded as probable.W. D. H. The Behaviour of Some Hydantoin Derivatives in Meta- bolism. I. Hydantoin and Ethyl Hydantoate. HOWARD €3. LEWIS (J. Biol. Chem. 1912 13 347-356).-After hydantoin is given an insoluble benzylidenehydantoin can be recovered from the urine which accounts for only part of the hydantoin administered. No toxic effects follow which is against Lusini's theory of the toxicity of -HN ,,>c:o groups. stimulates the degradation of the injested proteins. s. B. s. W. D. H.i.126 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. Hydsntoic acid of which hydantoin is the cyclic anhydride is not The hydan- W. D. H. destroyed in metabolism wben given as the ethyl ester. toin nucleus is not destroyed in the body of cat rabbit or dog. Purine Metabolism. X. The Property of the Organism to Destroy or Form by Oxidative Processes Uric Acid in Animals Capable of P r o d u c i n g this Acid Synthetically. V~TTORIO SCAFFIDI (Biochem. Zeitsch 191 2 47 215-225).-1n experiments carried out with ducks it was found that animals which normally synthesise uric acid can also destroy this acid after ingestion when added to a normal diet to the extent of 33-59% of the total. They can also degrade guanine to xanthine and into still simpler complexes which no longer contain n purine group. From the xanthine thus formed a certain amount of uric acid can be formed by an oxidative process.Ingestion of nucleic acid also causes a slight increase in the amount of purine bases execreted and a considerable increEse in the uric acid the origin of which is ascribed t'o the protein groups. S. B. S. The Metabolism of Endogenous and Exogenous Purines in the Monkey. ANDREW HUNTER and MAURICE H. GIVENS (J. BioZ. Chem. 1913 13 371-388).-1n the urine of the guenon monkey (Cercopithecus) allantoin accounts for 75% of the nitrogen arising from the katabolism of endogenous purines The rest appears princi- pally as purine bases uric acid being practically absent on a purine- free diet. Allantoin is a true end-product. When purines are given allantoin is increased and uric acid appears as an intermediate product.Only 12-54% of total purine intake is accounted for. The deficit is probably due to decomposition prior to absorption. There is no approach in this monkey to the human type of nuclein metabolism W. D. H. OTTO FOLIN and HARRY LYMAN (J. BioZ. Chem. 1912 13 389-391).-A reply to London's recent criticisms (A 1912 ii 1189). Behaviour of I n t e s t i n a l Wall After a Prolonged Period of Functional Inactivity. PAOLO MARICONDA (Zeitsch. pliysiol. Chem. 1912 82 406-412).-After making a Vella fistula a dog was kept for several months so that no local stimulus had reached the intestine. The amount of fluid secreted by the intestinal wall was now very small and the amount of the various enzymes was also reduced although not to the same extent.The results are opposed to the theory that the secretory function of the intestine is due to chemical stimuli carried to it by the blood. Sucrose introduced into the fistula passes the wall without being changed ; the selective absorptive power of the intestinal wall has been destroyed. Absorption of Cholic Acid in the Dog's Intestine. BAREND C. P. JANSEN (Zeitsch. physiol. Chem. 1912 82 342-345).- Experiments with intestinal loops showed that in all probability cholic acid is absorbed unchanged by the intestinal wall. Absorption from the Stomach. W. D. H. E. F. A. W. D. H.PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY i. 127 The Fate of Deeply-degraded Proteins in the Intestine. PETER RONA (Biochem. Zeitsch. 1912 46 307-316).-Experiments were carried out with the object of ascertaining whether any protein synthesis takes place in the small intestine.Pieces of surviving intestine were placed in Tyrode’s solution and various digestion pro- ducts or mixtures of amino-acids were placed either in the solution in which the intestine was kept or introduced directly into the lumen. The experiments were carried out a t 3 8 O and during this time the intestine maintained its peristaltic movements. The amino-nitrogen was estimated bot,h befoie and after the experiment. There was generally an increase in this nitrogen a t the end due probably t o amino-substances given up by the intestine itself. The amount of increase was of tho same order as that in which the experiments were carried out in Tyrode’s solution without any addition.No evidence was obtained therefore of any synthetical process affecting amino- derivatives in the intestine S. B. S. The Investigation of the Permeability and Antagonistic Action of Electrolytes by means of a New Method. JACQUES LOEB (Biochem. Zeitsch. 1912 47 127-166).-1t has been already repeatedly shown by the author in experiments on Eicndulus eggs that treatment with a solution of one salt alone (for example sodium chloride) alters the permeability of the membrane and that this alteration can be inhibited iny the addition of certain quantities of another salt (calcium chloride). Salt solutiong of such composition that the antagonistic action of the salts is at its maximum are designated equilibrated solutioas. If fertilised eggs of Pundulus be brought into a solution of 50 C.C.3M-sodium chloride + 2 C.C. 10/8M- calcium chloride they will remain on the surface for three days after which the membrane will be rendered permeable by the hypertonic solution; the eggs will then begin to shrink and owing to the passage outwards of water the specific gravity will increase and they will then siDk in the solution. If brought into a solution of 3M- sodium chloride alone without presence of calcium chloride they will sink within three to four hours and the membrane rapidly becomes permeable. Similar phenomena are observed when tho eggs are brought into other corresponding solutions containing only salts. By the method of experiment the various earlier investigations of the author have been confirmed. The changes in the permeability appear t o be due chiefly to the proteins and there is an antagonism between the action of acids and the corresponding salts which is characteristic of proteins as Pauli and his pupils have shown.Furhhermore the antagonism in the system H,SO,-Na2S0 is more complete than in the system HC1-NaCl. The antagonistic action of these acids and salts on the RunduEus egg as studied by the method described above confirms the theory as t o the alterations of the proteins by salts. The qunntitative study of the action of alcohols however indicates that these alter the permeability by the action on the fatty constituents of the membrane. Provided t h a t the action has not gone too far the change of permeability produced by salts is a reversible one and eggs which have been a short time in a toxici.128 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. solution will recover their normal properties when brought into an equilibrated solution. Eggs will also remain alive in distilled water and fish will develop but they will not recover their impermeability. I f such eggs are brought into a solution of 50 C.C. 3M-calcium chloride + 2 cx. 10/8M-calcium chloride they sink in a few hours. 8. B. 5. The Influence of Neutral Salts on Ferment Action. 11. EMIL STABKENSTEIN ( Biochem. Zeitsch. 19 12 47 300-31 9. Compare A. 1910 i 449).-The number of salt molecules necessary to activate t o the maximum extetlt an inactive diastase preparation is pro- portional to the amount of ferment. This fact suggests a process for the determination of the quantity of ferment in a given organ.For this purpose the organ is dried a 5% suspension of the dried powder is made up and dialysod. The amount of salt which produces the maximum diastatic effect with this Auid can then be ascertained. By this means the diastase content in various animal organs was investigated. Organs of warm-blooded animals contain more ferment than those of the cold-blooded The ferments obtained from both kinds of animals work more rapidly at higher temperatures. 8. B. S. Lipoids. XVI. The Cholesterol Content of Different Parts of the Brain. SIEGMUND FRANKEL P. KIRSCHBAUM and KURT LINNERT (Biochem. Zeitsch. 1912 46 253-256).-The cholesterol was estimated as its digitonin derivative. I n a human brain 4.03% was found in the pons and medulla oblongata 2.47% in the white matter of the cerebrum and 1.31% in the cerebellum.S. B. S. The Colloidal Structure of Nerve Cells and the Changes which they Undergo. G. MARINESCO (Zeitsch. Chem. Ind. Rolloide 1912 11 209-225).-The ultra-microscopic structure of nerve cells is described and interpreted on the assumption that the cell constituents are of colloidal character. The structural changes which are observed when the nerve cells are subjected to the action of acids alkali salts and various other substances such as ethyl alcohol carbnmide glycerol sucrose chloral hydrate and antipyrine are also described in detail. The results of these ultra-microscopic observations seem to show that the particular structures] which are presented by the nerve cells after treatment by the usual fixing and colouring methods are essen- tially determined by the nature of the histological processes employed.The fixing reagents have in general a coagulating effect on the colloidal cell constituents and the observed facts agree with the view that the protoplasm is a negative colloid. Chemical and Biochemical Investigations on the Nervous System under Normal and Pathological Conditions. IV. The Chemical Composition of the Brain in Progressive Paralysis. DOMENICO CARBONE and GIACOMO PIGIHINI (Biochem. Zeitxh. 1912 46 450-469).-The analyses of brains taken from H. M. D.PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. n. 129 individuals who have suffered from progressive paralysis and Dementia praecox paraxoica were compared with those obtained from mentitlly normal individuals.Whereas normal brains contain about 23% of dry substance those from mentally afflicted (five cases) varied between 17 and 2loA. Against a normal value of 20% the acetone extracts of the abnormal brains varied between 22.87% and 31.327;. The light petroleum extracts varied between 11.23% and 23.14% as compared with the amount from normal brains of 27.84%. The cholesterol varied between 13.9 and 24*2% and the other extractives between 4.5 and 11.84% as compared with the normal values of 10.96 and 9.64%. Full details as to analytical methods are described by the authors. S. B. S. Broncho-dilator Nerves. WALTER E. DIXON and FRED RANSOM (J. Physiol. 1912 45 413-428).-The broncho-dilator nerves are of sympathetic origin. Adrenaline given to an animal showing bronchial tonus causes active temporary dilatation ; atropine causes passive permanent dilatation.W. D. H. The Influence of Inorganic Salts on the Perfused Heart. W. BURRIDUE (Quart. J. e z p t . Physiol. 1912 5 347-372).-Potass- ium salts give rise to two types of contracrion in cardiac muscle (frog) which are termed " tonic contraction " and " contraction effect.'' Some salts produce one others the other effect but all temporarily abolish rhythmical activity and may produce " heart block " if perfused at high pressure. The effects are mainly explained by considering that these salts displace calcium salts and the various calcium salts are displaced at varying rates. Seasonal variations noted are explained as due to changes in the balance between calcium and potassium salts in the heart muscle; temperature may also be a factor.W. D. H. Physiology and Pharmacology of the Cardiac Vagus. I. The Influence of Chloral Hydrate on the Result of Vagus Stimulation. OTTO LOEWI (Arch. expt. Path. Pharrn. 1923 70 323-342).-Intravenous injection of chloral hydrate in small doses has no effect on blood pressure and heart rate but almost completely annuls the return of the heart-beat during vagus stimulation. Large doses abolish vagus excitability. Camphor has also no effect on blood-pressure or pulse rate but influences vagus stimulation in a similar way. The action of pilocarpine and muscarine is similarly weakened. W. D. H. Physiology and Pathology of the Cardiac Vagus. 11. The Importance of Calcium for Vagus Action.OTTO LOEWI (Arch. ex$ Path. €'harm. 1912 70 343-350).-Partial removal of calcium by small amounts of oxslate increases the excitability towards electrical stimuli of various nerves; the least affected is the pelvic nerve but the chorda tympani and especially the vagus are pro- foundly affected. This is not inhibited by calcium. The action of musca,rine on the frog's heart occurs after it is rendered poor in calcium VOL. CIV. i. ki. 130 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS or free from calcium. muscarine in mammals and frogs is not influenced by calcium. The paralysis of the vagus by pilocarpine or W. D. H. Physiology and Pharmacology of the Cardiac Vagus. 111. Vagus Excitability and Vagus Poisons. OTTO LOEWI (Arch. expt. Path. Pharm. 1912 70 351-368).-1n very small doses muscarine (and pilocarpine) increases vagus excitability in the frog.I n vagus paralysis produced by these drugs there exists neither in frog nor rabbit any automatic ventricular action. The effect of prolonged electrical stimulation of the nerve is either increased by muscarine or unaffected by it according to the duration of the stimulation or the dose of the poison. Similarly the pilocarpine effect can be superposed on the muscarine effect or vice versa. Yhysostig- mine does not sensibilise the muscarine or pilocarpine action. The action of pilocarpine and muscarine is considered to be on the myoneural junction W. D. H. The Behaviour of Acetic Acid in the Artiflcial Perfusion of the Liver. ADAM LOEB (Biochem. Zeitsch. 1912 47 118-126). -Various results obtained by Embden and his school are recapitulated and reasons are given as to why acetic acid might be expected as a normal degradation product of fats carbohydrates and proteins especially through the intermediation of pyruvic acid.As no evidence could be obtained of the formation of acetic acid when pyruvic acid was added to blood in a perfusion experiment the effect of adding the former acid itself to the blood was investigated. It was found that during perfusion a very marked disappearance of this acid took place. It was also found without exception in ten experiments that the addition of acetic acid to the perfusion of blood caused a marked increase in the formation of acetoacetic acid. The mechanism of this reaction is discussed and it is provisionally suggested that the degrada- tion of acetoacetic into acetic acid is a reversible process CH,*CO*CH,*CO,H 2CH3-C0,H and for this reason the acetic acid may inhibit the degradation of the acetoacetic acid normally formed to simpler products.S. B. S. The Fate of Glgoxylic Acid in the Animal Body. GEORG HAAS (Biochem. Zeitsch. 1912 46 296-306).-On incubation of minced liver of various animals with glyoxylic acid this substance partly disappeared but no definite degradation products were isolated. Its perfusion through rabbit’s liver gave rise to formic acid and this acid could also be isolated in the urine of a dog which had received glyoxylic acid per 08. S. B. S. The Destruction of Alkaloids by the Body Tissuee. A. J. CLARK (Quart. J. expt. Physiol. 1912 5 385-398).-The liver of frog and rabbit possesses the power of destroying atropine ; this persists after the cells are destroyed and is due to a soluble subatance resembling an enzyme in its action.The heart and kidneys of the frog and thePHYSlOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. i. 131 blood of the rabbit have the same power in a less degree but all the other tissues are destitute of the power. None of the tissues in cat rat and dog has the power and the minimal lethal dose of atropine is highest in those animals the livers of which can destroy it. W. D. H. The Distribution of Nitrogen in Autolysis with Special Reference to Deaminisations. GERTRUDE D. BOSTOCK (Bio-Chem. J. 191 2 6 388-415).-The following nitrogen fractions in the autolysis products of liver were determined ammonia amide nitrogen and amino-acid nitrogen.It was necessary to ascertain these factors in order to determine the fate of ammonium salts and amino-acids when digested with liver tissue. In fresh liver the soluble nitrogen fraction is characterised by its low ammonia and amino-nitrogen content. The latter however increases after forty-eight hours’ incubation at the expense of the undetermined nitrogen fraction. The rate of autolysis reaches its maximum within this period. Acids stimulate and alkalis depress the autolysis rate and the distribution of nitrogen differs under these two conditions. Acids cause a lower and alkalis a higher percentage of ammonia and undetermined nitrogen fractions than in the control autolyses without addition of either acid or alkali. The reverse is the case with regard to the amide or amino-acid nitrogen. Putrefactive organisms cause a higher percentage of ammonia and undetermined nitrogen. No evidence could be obtained of the formation of amide nitrogen from ammonium sulphate or lactate when digested with liver pulp.There is also no evidence of liberation OF ammonia from glycine. I n view of the formation of ammonia by putrefactive organisms any statements as to the liberation of this substance from amino-acids when digested with tissues must be received with caution S. B. S. The Permeability of the Kidneys to Sugar a f t e r Repeated Injections of Adrenaline. ARTUR VON KONSCHEGG (Arch. expt. Path. Pharm. 1912,70 31 1-332).-Diuresis which followa the injec- tion of adrenaline is independent of glycosuria.After salt diuresis is produced i t is not possible to produce glycosuria by such injections; the blood contains no excess of sugar but the kidneys themselves contain more than normal. Inhibition of glycosuria is not brought about by the kidneys being unable to take up sugar from the blood. W. D. H. The Amount of Silicic Acid in Human Thyroid Glands. HUGO SCHULZ (Biochern. Zeitsch. 1912 46 376-392).-The mean content of the normal glands from t h e neighbourhood of Greifswald was 0.0084% and that of pathological glands from the same district 0.0175%. The pathological glands from Zurich on the other hand contained as much as 0.0434%. The author nevertheless giyes reasons for not believing that goitre is due to water containing silicic acid and he failed to produce the disease experimentally in animals which had received over long periods water containing relatively large quantities of the acid.S. B. 8. k 2i. 132 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. The Creatine-splitting Enzyme of the Parathyroid8 and the Suprarenals. ALBERT HOLMES ROWE (Arner. J. Physiol. 1912 31 169).-A creatine-splitting enzyme is present in the thyro- parathyroid tissue; this confirms the results of Gottlieb and Stau- gassinger. A similar enzyme is found i n suprarenal extract. There is no evidence that either the parathyroids or the suprarenals contain a creatine-splitting enzyme which can be activated by the other. W. D. H. The Chemistry of Normal and Eclamptic Placenta. L. MOHR and W. HEIMANN (Biochem. Zeitsch. 19 12 46 367-373).-Estima- tions were made of the water content total phosphoric acid and nitrogen ether soluble substances cholesterol ueutral fat and diastearyllecithin.The last-named was appreciably larger in normal placenta than in cases of eclampsia. There was no marked difference in the other factors. S. B. S. The Physico-chemical Basis of a Theory of Muscular Contraction (Zuntz’s Theory). WILLIAM N. BERG (Pjiiger’s Archie. 1912 149 195-220. Compare A. 1912 ii 1077).-A critical and antagonistic discussion of Zuntz’s theory; the main point is that lymph contains practically no carbon dioxide in the simple gaseous condition and that when gases are dissolved in water they behave differently from substances in true solution and with the exception of hydrogen chloride and ammonia exert no osmotic pressure. The carbon dioxide which is formed by muscular activity bas therefore no osmotic pressure.W. D. H. The Anaphylactic Reaction of Plain Muscle in the Guinea Pig. HENRY H. DALE (Proc. physioi. Soc. 1912 xxvii-xxix; J. Physiol. 45).-Experirnents on the plain muscle (uterus) of the guinea pig sensitised to horse-serum and other proteins ; it reacts in response to minute doses (one in a million) of the specific antigen ; after response it is completely desensitised ; it can be re-sensitised by soaking in the serum of sensitised guinea pigs. The time relations of the reaction exclude the production of a poison by parenteral digestion. The antigen acts on the sensitised muscle like a stimulant drug the pecaliar feature being that the ‘‘ receptive or anti-substance ” is de- tachable. There is much evidence in favour of the view that the anaphylactic anti-substance is identical with precipitin.Synthesis of Lecithin in the Hen and the Character of t h e Lecithins Produced. ELMERV. MCCOLLUM J. G. HALPIN and A. H. DRESCHER (J. Biol. Chem. 1912 13 219-224. Compare A 1912 ii 368).-Further experiments are given to show that hens fed on a diet free from lipoids produce eggs which contain lecithin or lecithins. These differ in the nature of their fattv acid radicles. and variation W. D. H. may be produced by the nature of thedlipoids of the diet. W. D. H. Red Golouring Matter of Boiled Grabs. EUG~NE GRANDNOUGIN iChm. Zeit. 1912 36 1377-1378).-The change of colour observedPHYSIOLOCIICAL CHEMISTRY. i 133 when crab-shells are boiled has been attributed by Kornfeld to the formation of alizarin-red which depends on the presence of alizarin and aluminium oxide in the unboiled shell.The author points out that the presence of anthraquinone in the normal organism bas not previously been observed He also finds tbat the colouring-matter of crab- and lobster-sbell unlike alizarin-red is soluble in alcohol or ether and is very sensitive to light. When dis- solved in alcohol it shows characteristic absorption bands in the green portion of the spectrum which differ completely from the bands given by alizarin. Finally the presence of compounds of aluminium in the shell could not be detected with certainty. The exact nature of the colouring matter has not been determined It possesses no dyeing power.but the presence of anthraquinone dirivatives is extremely improbable. H. W. The Bio-chemistry of Termites. The Chemical Composition of the Faecal Stalactites of Entermes monoceros. KONRAD SCHUBEL (Arch. expt. Path. Pharm. 1912,70,303-310).-The tree ant of Ceylon protects its nest by so-called stalactites and it has been surmised that these contain cantharidin or some similar poison. The present work shows that the material consists of an organic non-toxic substance with a small amount of inorganic salts. The ash has the following percentage composition SiO 45.2; P,O 1.09; Fe,O + Al,O 23.5 ; Mn304 1.05 ; CaO 14.25 ; MgO 1.5 and K,O +Na,O 13.3. By distillation in a vacuum it was proved that the faecal matter con- tains preformed an olefine probably C,,H70 m.p. 75". These animals live almost exclusively on flies and a l g a W. D. H. Metabolism Studies on the Cold-blooded Animals. I. The Urine of the Fish. W. DENIS (J. Biol. Chem. 1912 13 225-232). -The urine of the dog-fish is clear odourless and almost colourless ; i t is acid to litmus It darkens and becomes cloudy when kept. It gives the murexide reaction and contains creatinino but not creatine. The following is the average composition expressed in grams per litre total nitrogeq 4.2 ; urea nitrogen 3*4 ; ammonia nitrogen 0.3 ; chlorides (as NaCl) 12.8 ; phosphates (as P,O,) 4.5 ; total sulphur (as SO,) 7.1 and total sdphates (as SO,) 3.4. The goose' fish (Lophius piscatorius) is the only teleost so far investigated; in general appearance and reaction t'he urine resembles that of the dog- fish ; uric acid creatine and creatinine were absent.The one specimen examined contained in milligrams per litre total nitrogen 400 ; urea nitrogen 248 and ammonia nitrogen 2. W. D. H. Behaviour of Alicyclic Gompounds in Ooupling with Glycu- ronic Acid in the Organism. JUHO HXMALAINEN (Chem. Zentr. 1912 ii 854-856; from Sknnd. Amh. Physiol. 1912 27 141-226). -A number of terpenes and allied compounds dissolved in olive oil were fed to rabbits. The urine produced was collected and the coupled glycuronic acids formed were either isolated or the products of their hydrolysis by acids were examined.i. 134 ARSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. Menthene in this way gave rise to a product which on hydrolysis yielded a hydrocai*bon C1oHIG b.p. 178-180' that on hydration gave a dihydric alcohol C,,H,,O m. p. 55-59' which may be p-menthan- 3 4-diol. Dihydrocnrveol in the same way yielded a menthadiene CI0Hl6 b. p. 179-181' which on oxidation gave dihydrocarvone and ou hydration furnished p-menthan-2 8-diol. Terpin yielded a mentha- diene b. p. 178-181' which gave terpin hydrate and terpineol on hydration and terpenylic acid on oxidation with chromic acid. Menthone before coupling with glycuronic acid appears to be oxidised t o A4-menthen-3-one since the latter is produced on hydro- lysis of the coupled product. Thujone is apparently first converted in the organism into p-menthnn- 2-one-4-01 by addition of 1 mol. of water. On hydrolysis the coupled product yields carvenone whilst oxidhtion with sodium hypobromite gives o-dimethyllzeviilic acid.Thujyl alcohol under like conditions wems to be converted into p-menthan-2 4-dio1 since the latter is formed on hydrolysis of the coupled glycuronic acid produced in t b e organism Sabinol yields sabinolglycuronic acid C16H2,07 m. p. 82-S3' as a colourless glassy mass giving crystalline sodium and strychnine ealts. The latter has m. p. 196-197' [a] - 39.66' in alcohol and crystallises with 2H20 in needles from hot water. Sabinene yields a coupled product which on hydrolysis with 5% sulphuric acid gives a gelatinous substance that on hydrolysis with stronger acid yields Al-menthenone (1). Pinene and nopinene appear to undergo oxidation before coupling since the coupled product yields p-cymene on hydrolysis. Camphaoe i s also oxidised in the organism and yields a mixture of d- and 1- Dorneolglycuronic acids C,,H,,07 m.p. 163-1 65O [a] - 56.9 lo as a colourless crystalline mass. 1-Fenchyl alcohol furnishes fenchylylycuronic acid C1GH260,,H20 in. p. 1 24-1 26' [a] - 63-07' crystallising from acetone and yielding well crgstdlised salm. 1-is0 -3'c;nchylglycuronic acid m. p. 140-150' [a]$' - S1*02' is amorphous. Camphenilolylycuronic acid C,,H2,07 m. p. 150-153° is a colour- less mass obtained by the use of either camphenilol or cam- phenjlone the latter apparently undergoing initial reduction in the organism. a-Santenol gives rise to a-santenolglycuronic acid C1,H2,O7 H,O mi. p 160-161' [a32 - 56*6O a colourless mass which yields crystal- line salts. p-Santenol also couples unchanged f urnishing p-santenol- glycurooic acid which mas not isoIated but was found t o yield santene on acid hydrolysis.Santenone is first oxidised to santenonol C9H14O2 m. p. 92-93' crystallising in colourless leaflets giving a crystalline semicarbazone m. p. 222-223' and yielding srtntenic acid on oxidation. .)'ctrrterconolglycuro.nic acid C,,Hz20 yields a crystalline strychnine salt C,,~H440,0N,,2H,0 m. p. 171-1772" and gives santenonol on hydro- Camphene hydrate couples unchanged with glycuronic acid in the organism and the product on hydrolysis gives camphene by loss of water from the regenerated camphene hydrate. lys1s. T. A. H.PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY i. 135 The Relationships between Tumour Cells and Blood-serum. ERNST FREUKD and GISA KAMINER (Biochem. Zeitsch.1912 46 470-482).-The property possessed by normal sera of destroying carcinoma cells is due to an ether-soluble nitrogen-free fatty acid. The property of carcinomatous serum of protecting carcinomatous cells from destruction and of giving specific turbidity with saline extracts of carcinomas is due to the euglobulin (nucleoglobulin) fraction of the serum which is soluble in sodium carbonate and is distinguished from normal nucleoglobulin by its high content of carbohydrate group. The property of carcinoma extracts of giving turbidities with carcinomatous sera is due to a nitrogen-free carbohydrate compound. The specific precipitates of carcinomatous and sarcomatous extracts with their respective sera are characterised in the former case by carbohydrate-rich substances and in the latter case by groups yielding the biuret reaction.The carcinomatous precipitates carry down from solution added carbohydrates whereas the sarcomatous precipitates carry down added peptone. The tumour cells themselves show a similar adsorptive capacity the carcinomatous cells binding sugar lecithin or nuclein whereas the sarcomatous cells bind peptones and nuclein. S. B. S. The Interstitial Granules (Liposomes) in Fatty Metamor- phosis of S t r i a t e d Muscle. E. T. BELL (J. Path. Bact. 1912 1’7 147-159).-Fatty metamorphosis may be produced in the leg muscles of a rat by applying a ligature round the thigh ; in the fibres of these muscles the liposomes stain with greater intensity and are much larger than normal ; this is especially the case in well nourished animals or if the rat is fed on fat.Pathological fatty metamorphosis is an exaggeration of a normal process and consists in an increase in the size staining capacity and often the number of liposomes. Part of the fat is already present when the process begins. ‘The increase of size is probably due to the accumulation of triolein. Nature of the So-called Rlausner Serum Reaction G. KLAUSNEB (Biochem. Zeitsch. 1912 4’7 36-58).-The author has already shown that sera from certain cases of syphilis yield a precipi- tate when diluted with three times the volume of water. This property is lost if the serum is previously extracted with ether ,and is restored by the addition to the serum of the lecithin-cuorin- cephalin fraction of brain lipoids.A serum can also be rendered non-precipitable by water if heated but in this case the precipitability (activation) is not restored by lipoids. A serum activated by brain lipoids can also be inactivated by heating. The property of restoring activity by lipoids is not destroyed by heating. An artificially activated serum (by lipoids) if inactivated by heat is not rendered active again by the addition of fresh serum; hence the activating property of lipoids is best if they are heated in the presence of serum. I n all cases both of artificial and natural precipitin reactions the optimal condition for precipitation is dilution with three times iihe volume of water. The natural precipitin reaction when destroyed by heat is not restored on the addition of fresh serum.A poaitive serum. inactivated by extraction with ether can be reactivated W. D. H.i. 136 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. by the addition of the ethereal extract which can also activate a normal inactive serum. Strong concentrations of the ethereal extracts of normal serum dissolved in water can also activate a normal serum. These results indicate that the precipitation is not due t o globulins and that in syphilitic sera the abnormalities are due t o excess of lipoids. Bence-Jones Proteinuria. E. PROVAN CATHCART and J. HEN- DERSON (J. Path. Bact. 1912 17 238-248).-A detailed account of the examination of the urine in a case of this disease. The general result of an examination of the protein present is that the findiugs of Hopkins and Savory (A.1911 ii 417) are confirmed. W. D. H. The Action of Carbon Dioxide on the Vascular System. S. I T m r (J. Physiol. 1912 45 338-344).-Srna11 percentages of carbon dioxide produce a rise of arterial pressure mainly by increasing the force of the heart. Higher percentages (over 8%) produce increased constriction of the arterioles by stimulating the vaso-motor centre and probably from an increased activity of the suprarenal glands. W. D. H. D. FERRON (Chem. Zentr. 1912 ii 370; from Arch. Farm. spe&a. 1912 13 283-288). -Intravenous injection of doses of 0*000010 to 0*000025 gram- equivalents of mercuric chloride per kilo. of body-weight causes in rabbits an appreciable diuresis but in larger doses the effect is less than that of the saline injection alone owing to the toxic properties.A simultaneous injection of sodium chloride decreases the toxic effects and vice versa. mercuric chloride diminishes the toxic effects of hyper- tonic sodium chloride solution. Action of Mercury Preparations on Spirochaete Diseases. I. Chemical-therapeutic Action of' Mercury Compounds Eepecially of a New Mercury Preparation which Strongly Attacks Spirochaete but is only very Slightly Poisonous. WILHELM KOLLE M. ROTHERMUND and S. PESCHIE (Cheni. Zmtr. 1912 ii 1574-1575 ; from Deut. med. Woch. 1912 38 1482-1585).-The therapeutic action of many mercury preparations such as colloidal mercury mercury peptonate dinitromercuridibenzoic acid sulph- aminophenyldimeth ylpyrazolonemercury etc. has been examined. The aliphatic compounds do not differ very much in their action but the benzene and pyrazolone compounds show many differences in toxicity and in the relation of the curative to the toxic dose.Sulphamino- compounds show a great lowering of the poisonous nature of mercury preparations without a diminution in their spirillocidal properties and sulphaminophenyldimethylpyrazolonemercury is especially to be recommended. 3. C. W. Action of Mercury Preparations on Spirochaete Diseases. 11. The Toxicology and Pharmacology of Some Mercury Compounds. J. ABELIN (Chern. Zentr. 1912 ii 1575 ; from Deut. med. Foch. 1912 38 1822-1825. Compare preceding abstract).- The poisonous nature of mercury compounds is influenced by their S. B. S. Diuretic Action of Mercury Preparations. S. B. S.PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. i.137 chemical constitution ; the introduction of aulpho- or amino-groups or of doubly-linked carbon atoms diminishes their toxicity. The most poisonous compounds are those in which the mercury is easily ionised such as mercuric chloride. After injection of mercury preparations the metal is always found in the liver. J. C. W. The Sugar of the Blood and Urine under the Influence of Con- tinuous Adrenaline Infusion. M. J. GRAMENITZKI (Biochem. Zeitsch. 19 12 46 186-209).-Adrenaline was continuously administered to rabbit8 by Straub’s infusion apparatus and tho effect on the sugar content in the blood and urine with varying dilutions of the drug was ascertained. It was found that there is in general a proportionality between the strength of the adrenaline stimulus and both the result- ing bypergl ycaemia and glycosuria.Under urethane narcosis the amount of adrenaline necessary to produce glycosuria is below the normal. Under these conditions the strength of the adrenaline stimulus necessary to produce glycosuria is less than that required to raise the blood-pressure. The adrenaline administration increases the diuresis within a few minutes and this effect is often but not always accompanied by glycosuria. The diuretic effect of urethane is to be ascribed to its urea components whereas its glycosuric effects can only be partly ascribed to these. Under urethane narcosis artificially introduced sugar disappears more slowly than i n normal animals; it also disappears more slowly from bound animals than from animals which are free. Venesection causes a distinct but slight hyperglycaemia which is sometimes accom- panied by glycosuria.The effects of the narcotic etc. were investi- gated in some detail in view of criticisms on Ritzmann’s work which was also carried out in Straub’s laboratory. I n experiments on non-narcotised animals it was found that the proportionality between the adrenaline stimulus and the effects was more marked than in the narcotised animals. The primary effect is hyperglycaemia which can be quite marked (up to 0.2%) even when there is no glycosurin. The smallest stimulus necessary to produce glycosuria is higher in non- narcotised than in narcotised animals. The diuretic activn of adrena- line follows definite laws and is independent of the glycosuric effect. The general theory of the drug action is discussed.S. B. 8. Effect of Adrenaline on the Pulmonary Circulation. E. 31. TRIBE (Proc. phyeiol. SOC. 1912 xx-xxii ; J. Physiol. 45).-The conflicting results of previou8 workers on this question are probably due to the use OF different preparations. Adrenaline preparations free from preservative cause constrictions a t body temperatures. Prepara- tions of adrenaline chloride preserved with 0.5% chloretone cause distinct dilatation of the pulmonary vessels. The constriction obtained with pure adrenaline is however hardly comparable with that seen in organs supplied by vaso-motor nerves and the question of the existence of such nerves in the lung-vessels is left undecided. W. D. H.i. 138 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. The Vascularity of the Liver.VIII. The Influence of Adrenaline on the Arterial Inflow. RUSSELL BURTON-OPZTZ (Quart. J . expt. Physiol. 1912 5 309-324).-The complex nature of the blood supply of the liver renders the interpretation of records a matter of difficulty and much of this and the following papers is devoted to a discussion of this question. There appears however no doubt that adrenaline constricts the arterioles of the liver and leads then to a rise of pressure in the hepatic artery and an increase in the arterial inflow the general blood-pressure being also raised. This is followed by a period of lessened inflow although the hepatic pressure is still high but the general pressure is only slightly elevated. Exceptions to this rule are explained by the fact that an injection of adrenaline does not necessarily imply that it enters the hepatic artery; i t might be swept past the orifice of the artery; a similar accident in the case of arteries supplying other organs might explain unexpected results there.The Vascularity of the Liver. IX. Influence of Amy1 Nitrite on the Arterial Inflow. RUSSELL BURTON-OPITZ (Quayt. J. expt. Physiol. 1912 5 325-328).-1nhalation of amyl nitrite causes a fall of general arterial pressure but also causes a local change in the liver circulation. The fall of pressure in the hepatic artery is pro- portional to the general fall. On discontinuing the inhalation the pressure returns very slowly to normal. The arterial inflow is directly proportional to the systemic pressure and the local changes are attributed wholly to the general effect.The Vascularity of the Liver. X. The Influence of Adrenaline on the Venous Inflow. RUSSELL BURTON-OPITZ (Quart. J. expt. Phpiol. 19 12 5 329-342).-Evidence is adduced that the liver possesses two separate motor mechanisms one in the terminals of the hepatic artery and the other in the radicles of the portal vein both of which are stimulated by adrenaline. Metabolism Experiments in the Administration of Atophan. WITOLD SK~RCZEWSKI and J. SOHN (Chem. Zentr. 1912 ii 1381; from Zeitsch. expt. Path. They. 191 3 11 254-263).-Experiments on normal persons and on sufferers from gout show that the adminis- tration of atophan causes an increase in the output of uric acid which however falls off with subsequent doses more purine bases being discharged.An alteration in the functions of the kidneys is presumed for a retention of chlorides immediately follows the administration. The atophan urine always gives the diazo-reaction which becomes weaker after several doses; i t also gives the phenol reaction with bromine water a dirty rose-coloured precipitate with Millon’s reagent a yellow precipitate with phosphotungstic acid and a green colour with a mixture of ammonium sulphate and ammonia. J. C. W. W. D. H. W. D. H. W. D. H. W h y Does Atophan Increase the Excretion of Uric Acid? WITOLD SK~RCZEWSKI (Chem. Zentr. 1912 ii 1679 ; from Zeitsch. sxpt. Path. Ther 1912,11,501-507. Compare preceding abstract).-PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. i. 139 The action o€ atophan is presumed to be an oxidation disturbance of which the interference in the degradation of uric acid is a special case.This affords an explanation of the variations in uric acid values the increase in neutral sulphur and the appearance of the diazo-reaction in atophan urine. J. C. W. The Formation of Phenol from p-Cresol in the Organism of the Dog. MAX SIEGFRIED an6 R. ZIMMERMANN (Biochem. Zeitsch.. 1912 46 220-224).-1n view of Baumann’s conceptions as to the degradation of tyrosine in the organism through p-ctesol and p-hydroxy- benzoic acid to phenol the effect o€ the administration of p-cresol W A S investigated and it was found to yield phenol; 32-48% of the phenolic substances administered were recovered in the urine of which 23-46% was in the form of phenol. Various modifications in the technique of phenol and cresol estimation are given chiefly with regayd to the method of brozuination and the addition of sufficient alkali before evaporating the urine to prevent loss of phenol.S. B. S . Formation of Glgcine in the Body. 11. ALBERT A. EPSTEIN and SAMUEL BOOKMAN ( J . Hiol. Chem. 1912 13 117-132).-Free leucine does not yield glpcine although it undergoes decomposition in the body. When benzoyl-leucine is given with benzoic acid the output of hippuric acid is much greater than the leucine alone allows. Phosphorus poisoning causes no increaced production of glycine or hippuric acid. Phosphorus plus benzoic acid has also no such effect unless the animal is fasting; then the increase must be due to massive disintegration of protein. Much of the glycine liberated on feeding with benzoic acid must be the result of a synthesis in the body.W. D. H. Tolerance to Nicotine. WALTER E. DrxoN and W. E. LEE(&UCW~. J. expt. Physiol. 1912 5 373-382).-A person tolerant to nicotine may be so because nicotine is not absorbed but this is unlikely. A second explanation may be that it is more readily destroyed by the tissues. The present experiments were made on rabbits and in thirteen out of sixteen experiments tolerance was established the drug being injected under the skin or into the blood-stream. The analyses of the tissues show that the second explanation given above is correct but that all the cells of the body do not possess the power of destroy- ing nicotine in equal measure the liver is the most effective.Evidence is adduced t h a t the destruction is probably oxidative and due to the action of an enzyme. W. D H. The Oxidation of p - Phenylenediamine by Animal Tissues. FR. BATTELLI and (Mlle.) LINA STERN (Uiochem. Zeitsch. 1912 46 317-342).-1t is shown in investigations of the oxidative fiinctions of tissues that the p-phenylenediamine reaction is better than the indo- phenol reaction. All tissues can oxidise this substance. The amount of oxygen consumed was in most cases measured and it was found that in the accessory respiration of the tissues the amount consumedi. 140 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. was the sum of that used up by the tissues when without the reagent plus the amount necessary to oxidise the reagent. I n the primary respiration on the other hand the p-phenylenediamine oxidation partly replaced the tissue respiration. The oxidation is most intensive in the heart red muscles liver and kidney and much less in the pancreas spleen and lungs.With the exception of the pancreas the tissues maintain their oxidative capacity for a long time after death. Under similar conditions of experiment most tissues use up the same amount of oxygen for oxidising p-pheoylenediamine as they do For succinic acid ; the brain however uses u p more. I n muscles and liver no more oxygen is used up if both substances are present than if they are present alone. The blood is an energetic oxidiser but not the serum and the action appears to be due mostly to the bzemoglobin as in the blood of some animals the oxidative capacity remains after heating to 60" or treatment with pancreatin.This is not even lost after heating the blood with mineral acids. An aqueous extract of liver inhibits the oxidative capacity of the blood and the inhibitory action is not destroyed by warmiug to 60'. Blood bas no appreciable oxidative action on succinic acid. S. B. S. The Influence of Various Factors on the Oxidation of p-Phenylenediamine by Animal Tiesues. FR. BATTELLI and (Mlle.) LINA STERN (Biochem. Zeitsch. 19 12 46 343-366).-Small amounts of acid or alkali inhibit oxidation. There is no marked optimal temperature of reaction between 30' and 50° but the action is lost by heating tissues to 60' for ten minutes. I n medium concentra- tions salts accelerate the reaction exerting an inhibitory action at higher concentrations.Up to a certain limit the rate of oxidation increases with an increase of the concentration of the p-phenylene- diamine. The oxydase is not washed out from the tissues by water and the washed tissues still contain the oxydase. I n oxygen the reaction is more energetic than in air. The oxydase is destroyed by treating the tissues with alcohol or acetone or with weak solutions of mineral acid@. Aqueous extracts of tissues osidise in presence of hydrogen peroxide and this function is not lost on heating. The mashed residue of muscular tissue will not oxidise in the presence of the peroxide after heating t o 60'. Treatment of tissue with pancreatin diminishes t h e oxidative capacity. Both fresh and heated pancreatin increase the oxidative capacity of the vegetable pol7 phenoloxydaees.Catalysts accelerating the oxidation of p-phenylenediamine and succinic acid are distinguishable from other oxydases by the facts that they are not dissolved out by water and are destroyed by alcohol acetone or trypsin. With the exception of those of the brain the catalysts appear to be identical. s. €3. 8. Pharmacology of Picrotoxin Picrotin and Picrotoxinin. ALFREDO CHISTONI (Chem. Zentr. 1912 ii 371-372; from Arch. Parrnacol. sperim. 19 12 13 220-240).-Picrotoxin and picrotoxinin in concentration 1 in 2000 reduce tbe tone and the amplitude of the contractione of smooth muscle but in concentration 1 in 10,000 they increase the amplitude and diminish the number of contractions,PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. i. 141 and either do not influence or slightly increase the tone of smooth muscle ; picrotin is inactive.All three substances in a concentration of 1 in 2000 slightly increase the tone of striped muscle. The frequency and contraction of the amphibian heart are affected by picrotoxin and picrotoxinin due to their action on the muscle; picrotin is inactive. Picrotoxin and picrotoxinin intravenously injected in dogs reduce the pulse and increase the blood pressure due to stimulation of the pneumogastric and the vasomotor centres. All three substances (1 in 2000-4000) fitill the isolated hearts o l cats and rabbits but this elfect ceases when the poisons are removed. In a concentration of 1 in 80,000 picrotoxin at first quickens and then slows the heart’s action and these effects are not inhibited by the previous application of atropine. Picrotoxinin (1 in 80,000) at first strengthens and quickens the heart’s action by its effect on the vagus but finally stills the heart by direct action on the muscle fibres. Picrotin (1 in 40,000) accelerates the heart-beats and reduces the strength of the pulse. T. A. H. The Poisonous Nature of Methyl and Ethyl Alcchols. ALEXANDER LANGGAARD (Chenz. Zentr. 1912 ii 1382-1383 ; froin Bed. kZin. Woch. 1912 49 1704).-Methyl alcohol is more poisonow than ethyl alcohol when taken in repeated small quantities but ethyl alcohol is much more dangerous when taken in a single large dose. J. C. W. Hamolytic Substances obtained from Serum and the Vitellus of Egg Submitted to the Action of Venoms. C. DELEZENNE and (Mlle.) S. LEDEBT (Compt. rend. 1912 155 1101-1103. Compare ibid. 1911,152 790 ; 153 81).-Cobra venom acts on the serum of horse blood or the vitellus of egg giving rise by diastatic action of the venom on the lecithin to haemolysin which differs from lecithin in that it is soluble in water and insoluble i n ether and its molecule does not contain any unsaturated fatty acid& (oleic acids). Jn the case of the serum the venom-serum mixture attains a maximum hemolytic power which then decreases until the mixture is inactive. A t the same time a very fine precipitate of calcium soaps (palmitate and stearate) is produced. This diminution in activity which is peculiar to serum corresponds with further decomposition of the hzmolysin and if the serum is dialysed prior to addition of the venom the second stage iu the action does not occur and it behaves in the same manner as the vitellus of egg. The liquid resulting from the dialysis of the serum produces this secondary effect on addition to a venom-vitellus mixture W. G. It resembles lecithin in its solubility in alcohol.