Abstract
In a concentration of 2 per cent in the Ringer's solution, Vermizym (V) is capable of digesting living ascaris in about four hours. The optimum hydrogen-ion concentration for this effect is pH 5. The enzyme is irreversibly inactivated at pH 2 for one hour and also on being heated, to 80°C or above. For ascaris treatment, moderate effect was proved with the indicated dosage. There is no marked irritation of the gastrointestinal tract in a dog after ingesting relatively large dose of V and it does not increase previous damage to the gastric mucosa induced by the oral administration of hexylresorcinol, but parenteral injection of V causes severe tissue injuries. There are some evidences to show that V causes the liberation of a histamine-like substance and unidentified substance or substances, which slowly contract smooth muscles, from some mammalian tissues although this may not be of practical importance.
