Experimental production of specific proteases. 1.- Experiences with "Corynebacterium diphtheriae” dead

Abstract

The authors, in this first comunication demonstrate by the ninhydrine reaction that the production of specific enzymes, eliminated by urine, in their experiences with dead ≪Corynebacterium diphteriae≪, gives a positive result in all the tests.

That the quantity of substratos of diphterial bacillus and placenta needed to determine the elimination of defensive proteidases is of 10 mg., and of two drops for the substrate of diphteric toxin.

That the minimal dose of alien proteides indispensable to provoke the formation of these ferments are always small, and waver between 0,1 ml. and 0,2 ml.

That on the first day of urine elimination by the rabbits, injected with sufficient quantitites, the presence of the defensive ferments is demonstrated.

That the reaction is specific for the substrate corresponding to the administered proteic substance, in 100 % of the tests.

And that the cases in which the Abderhalden reaction is weak are gravest ones, as the defensive capacity of the organisme is diminished, and viceversa.