Studies on the effects of phagocytic stimulation on microbial disease. XI. Action of chaulmoogra derivatives on endothelial cells of skin vessels

ABSTRACT

Chaulmoogra oil and certain chaulmoogra derivatives have been found to induce the same intense phagocytic activity of the endothelial cells of the skin capillaries as is induced by histamine. The phenomenon could be inhibited in either case by previous administration of a synthetic anti-histaminic substance. From these facts it is supposed that chaulmoogra preparations induce the phenomenon by liberating latent histamine. It is therefore concluded that 1- By the administration of active chaulmoogra derivatives, a large number of inactive endothelial cels may be stimulated to help the cellular defense mechanism, thus increasing the capacity of the reticuloendothelial system. 2- The experiments suggest that histamine activation is involved in this mechanism, but this needs further direct experimental evidence. 3- If histamine activiation is the mechanism of the action of chaulmoogra derivatives, a cycle of defense in which histamine plays an important role may be supposed. Since the phagocytic cells that participate in the pathology of leprosy are paralyzed in their function of destroying the parasite, the active chaulmoogra derivatives could stimulate this section of the defense mechanism, which interferes with bacteriolytic activity.