On a Fungus Disease in Daphnia. Contribution to the Teachings on the Struggle of Phagocytes Against Causers of Disease
Abstract
The fungus disease of the daphnia helps to obtain closer information on some pathological phenomena in higher animals. The white corpuscles and other phagocytes of vertebrates consume the producers of the sickness in general and the fission fungi in particular. In recent times special experiments have supported the thesis that 'the inflammation process could express a harmful effect only on the fission fungi present in the tissue', that consequently 'the inflammatory change of the tissue appears as the natural, suitable reaction of the animal organism against fission fungi resulting in healing'. Experiments on daphnia can be used as a further support for this theory. The total fight between monospora and phagocytes is to be conceived of as a kind of diffuse inflammation, a hemitis. When the needle-shaped spores concentrate in a larger amount on a certain point then there is a localized phagocyte gathering which is quite similar to the one which occurs after an injury. There immediately forms around the damaged spot several blood corpuscles which are soon followed by others so that a contemporary phagocyte accumulation occurs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 18, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0878834
Entities
People
- Elias Metschnikoff