Three lectures on the pathology and treatment of diabetes mellitus viewed by the light of present-day knowledge / by F.W. Pavy.

  • Pavy, F. W. (Frederick William), 1829-1911.
Date:
1908
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Licence: In copyright

Credit: Three lectures on the pathology and treatment of diabetes mellitus viewed by the light of present-day knowledge / by F.W. Pavy. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    growth of living matter, and, in the case of the intestinal lymphocytes, observation shows that the food-supply is at the foundation of their activity of growth. Just as bacteria grow in a culture medium, so, it may be considered, do the intestinal lymphocytes grow upon the products of digestion that have passed by diffusion into the lymph spaces of villi. Anyone can satisfy himself of the influence exerted by food absorption on the state of the villi in relation to lymphocyte growth. If a rabbit, for instance, be killed at a period of full fasting, nothing is to be seen of lacteal vessels upon the intestine, and the receptaculum chyli even may not be susceptible of being discerned. The lacteal system seems to be in a state of quiescence, and to all appearances there cannot be any material flow of fluid taking place through the vessels. Killed at a period of full digestion, the contrast in appear- ance is very great. The lacteals are to be seen ramifying in a most conspicuous manner upon the surface of the intestine, the vessels that course through the mesentery stand out boldly as visible objects, and the receptaculum chyli is easily recognisable through the medium of its fluid contents. There cannot be the slightest question about an active flow of chyle taking place through the lacteal into the vascular system at a period of digestion, and ie this is the case, does it not necessarily imply a corresponding transmission of protein, emanating from the food, into the blood 1 The plasma of lymph and chyle is known to contam identically the same protein principles as the plasma of the blood. It is only in amount that a difference exists, and it is generally considered that the protein content of chyle plasma may be put down as being ordinarily equal to about half of that of the blood, or somewhere about 3-5 to 4 per cent., and that of lymph plasma to something less. I think it cannot be otherwise than conceded that the outflowing lymph and chyle derive their characters from within the absorbent system, and the lymphocytes may be regarded as constituting the source of the proteins met with. It is evi- dent tbat these proteins cannot arise from self-production, l»,t must be preceded by bioplasm, and be constructed by its synthesising agency. No other conclusion is permissible, and in the lymphocytes and their environment, the condi- tions exist for supplying what is wanted.