On the Change of Ascorbic Acid Content and Pathohistological Alterations in the Suprarenal Gland, in Case of Pancreatogenic Acute Peritonitis

Abstract

The author investigated on the change of ascorbic acid content and of histological structure in the suprarenal gland of guinea-pigs, which had been suffering from acute peritonitis as a results of the injection of 5 p.c. pancreas ferment preparation in the abdominal cavity. The results may be concluded as follows:
1) Ascorbic acid content diminishes gradually as time proceeds after the injection, and its diminution is proportional to the degree of histological changes in the suprarenal gland.
2) The degree of diminution of ascorbic acid content is inversely proportional to the living duration of animal after the injection throughout in all cases of the application of various pancreas ferments.
3) Death after the injection of verious ferments occurs at first by protamylase solution, then by diastase solution and lipase solution, and at last by trypsine solution.
4) The change of histological structure iu the suprarenal gland caused by peritonitis has intimate relations with the decrease of ascorbic acid content as well as time elapsed after the injection.
5) As principal histological alterations the following may be pointed out: Disturbances of blood circulation in vascular system; necrosis of cell, degenerative change of nucleus in fascicular and reticular zones; decrease of lipoid substances in fascicular zone; vacuole formation in medulla.
6) The change of ascorbic acid content and of histological structure are due to the toxic effect of ferments.