Biomedical subjects
C A STETSON
Publications and source records attributed to C A STETSON.
The occurrence of leucocyte-platelet thrombosis in rheumatic carditis.
Leucocyte-platelet thrombi, involving the smaller branches of the coronary blood vessels, have been found in the hearts of patients with active rheumatic fever and rheumatic carditis. A consistent correlation has been observed between the existence of these vascular lesions and the presence of typical Aschoff bodies. It is suggested that these cellular thrombi may play a role in the pathogenesis of rheumatic carditis.
Studies on the mechanism of the Shwartzman-phenomenon; evidence for the participation of polymorphonuclear leucocytes in the phenomenon.
The inhibition of the Shwartzman phenomenon by nitrogen mustard and benzene has been confirmed and investigated further. This inhibition can be correlated with the leucopenia induced by these agents. Evidence is presented indicating that polymorphonuclear leucocytes play an essential role in the preparation of the skin for the Shwartzman phenomenon.
Studies on the mechanism of the Shwartzman phenomenon; certain factors involved in the production of the local hemorrhagic necrosis.
Evidence is presented to indicate that a profound thrombocytopenia and granulocytopenia occur during the second stage of the Shwartzman phenomenon, prior to the actual onset of hemorrhage in the prepared skin areas. These hematologic alterations appear to be due to accumulation of the cells mentioned in the capillary bed of the lungs and perhaps other internal organs. This seems to be consequent on certain changes in the platelets and polymorphonuclear leucocytes, which result in the formation of clumps of these elements. In skin areas prepared for the Shwartzman phenomenon, the capillaries and small veins become occluded by masses of platelets and granulocytes after the intravenous challenging injection has been given. Following the interruption of blood supply necrosis of the involved vessels takes place, and hemorrhage occurs later where the vessel walls have lost their integrity.
Similarities in the mechanisms determining the Arthus and Shwartzman phenomena.
The intradermal injection of ovalbumin in rabbits sensitized to this antigen, under circumstances resulting in the elicitation of the Arthus phenomenon, causes a systemic reaction involving alterations in leucocytes and platelets, and results in cellular thrombosis of capillaries and veins in the injected skin areas. An abnormal metabolic process develops in the injected skin areas and may be the cause of the vulnerability of these vessels to leucocyte-platelet thrombosis. The form of vascular damage determining the Arthus phenomenon is similar to that already observed in the case of the Shwartzman phenomenon, and the results of various metabolic, hematologic, and histologic studies indicate that the mechanisms resulting in both phenomena are closely related.