Abstract
Various static works to carry a baggage (weighing 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 kg) on the back were continued for 4 hours in the aged and the young. Hematologic changes, especially, the phagocytic action of neutrophiles were observed hourly.
With an intention of knowing the mechanism of such changes, observations were also made on the phagocytic action of the neutrophiles of the rat administered of adrenaline and pilocarpin by injection. The results were as follows:
1. In the young, the phagocytic action of neutrophiles showed a slight increase at the light load, but it showed a clear decrease at the heavy load. Findings of the aged were essentially the same as above.
2. The changes observed in the number of leucocytes were also the same as above.
3. Specific gravity of the blood, hemoglobin content and hematcrit value in the aged distinctly showed higher values than in the youg.
4. In the rat, the phagocytic action of neutrophiles was enhanced by the administration of adrenaline, whereas, it was reduced by the injection of pilocarpin.
From above mentioned observations, it is considered that the decrease in the phagocytic action of neutrophiles by loading the static work was probably due to paratonia. No difference was shown, however, between the aged and the young in this respect. But, as the hemoconcentration was higher in the aged than in the young, the former must have shown much stronger response than the latter.
