The inhibitory effect of synthetic elastase inhibitor was studied in experimental emphysema. The development of emphysema was totally prevented by this substance. According to the authors' opinion the administration of synthetic elastase inhibitors can be considered as a new possibility in the treatment of pulmonary emphysema.

The effect of a synthetic elastase inhibitor was studied in experimental emphysema. The development of emphysema was totally prevented by this material. In the authors' opinion the administration of synthetic elastase inhibitors can be considered as a new possibility in the treatment of pulmonary emphysema.

Pulmonary emphysema was induced in rats by leuko-elastase extracted from purulent sputum, with the aim of throwing light on the part played by the elastolytic activity in the pathogenesis of pulmonary emphysema. A brief review of the pertaining literature is presented.

Intrarenal pressure gradients and glomerular dynamics have been investigated in dogs with severe dehydration elicited by pyloric ligation. 1. Because of the proportionate decrease in arterial pressure and renal blood flow, calculated total renal vascular resistance was found unaltered as compared with normohydrated controls. The slight changes in series connected intrarenal resistances were not significant. 2. Net hydrostatic pressure across the glomerular membrane, i.e. glomerular capillary minus proximal tubular pressure was slightly diminished. The pronounced fall in effective filtration pressure was due to the considerable increase in colloid osmotic pressure of the plasma proteins. 3. Reduced arterial pressure due to clamping of the aorta did not diminish vascular resistance. Thus, the autoregulatory capacity of renal circulation seems to be lost in dehydrated animals. 4. No correlation was found between plasma NPN values on the one hand and RBF and GFR on the other. Azotaemia seemed to be due to retention and enhanced rediffusion of urea and increased katabolism of tissue proteins. 5. Reduced urine flow caused by dehydration was restored by isosmotic saline or hyperosmotic mannitol infusions. Both agents act by decreasing intrarenal vascular resistance and by diminishing the increased colloid osmotic pressure.