An investigation of the
plasma protein changes in rabbits infected intradermally with Type I pneumococci has been carried out, utilizing a cationic
detergent method of
protein fractionation. A consistent pattern of change was observed. There was an increase in the
alpha globulins and
fibrinogen concentration which reached maximal levels at the height of the
infection.
Albumin fell to a minimal concentration when the increment of
alpha globulins and
fibrinogen was greatest. The beta-gamma concentration showed a significant decrease during the most severe phase of the
infection but returned to normal several days after spontaneous subsidence of
bacteremia. The magnitude of these
plasma protein alterations depended on the severity of the
infection and the response of the host. Significantly greater changes were observed in rabbits severely bacteremic than in those with mild
bacteremia. Administration of
penicillin suppressed the
infection and decreased the usual
plasma protein alterations. Injection of
cortisone prior to the onset of the Type I pneumococcus
infection caused an early inhibition of the expected
plasma protein changes, but later the
protein pattem developed in the same manner as it did in the severely infected animals.