STUDIES ON THE SERUM REACTION IN LEPROSY

VII. SITE OF REACTION WITH SPHINGOMYELIN ADDITION

Abstract

Studies were conducted using a combination of ox brain cephalin faction, 0.2% cardio-lipin and 1% cholesterol supplemented with sphingomyelin extracted from ox brain. A reaction was noted at a maximum of 256-fold dilution in the nodular form, 16-fold in the neural form and 256-fold in the macular form. Addition of lecithin resulted in a reduction in sensitivity of the complement fixation reaction in leprosy and a greater reaction in syphilis. Furthermore, a reaction was noted at 16-fold dilution with pregnancy serum.