Studies on the effects of phagocytic stimulation on microbial disease. XII. Action of chaulmoogra oil on the reticuloendothelial system

ABSTRACT

Four groups of albino rats were injected intravenously with india ink after the parenteral administration of various substances. In the control, the ink disappeared from the blood stream in 39 to 68 minutes. The administration of synthetic antihistamine slowed the rapidity of the phagocytosis of the ink particles by the reticuloendothelial system, whereas the administration of histamine, and also of chaulmoogra oil, increased the rapidity of phagocytosis. The increased phagocytic activity thus induced by chaulmoogra oil was found to be inhibited by the simultaneous administration of an antihistamine substance. These experiments have brought further evidence about the mechanism of action of chaulmoogra oil in the treatment of leprosy, namely, that it stimulates the cellular defense mechanism of the host to increased activity.