USGAR and MIST (1949) and UXGAR, DAMGAARD and HUMMEL (1953) demonstrated fibrinolytic activity in normal guinea pig serum after treatment with peptone followed by isoelectric precipitation. They also reported the development, under similar conditions, of fibrinolytic activity in sensitized guinea pig serum after addition of the corresponding antigen. The fibrinolytic activity was supposed to be caused by the blood protease plasmin (fibrinolysin). UNGAR (1953) has suggested that activation of the fibrinolytic system could be involved in the mechanisms of anaphylaxis and in "anaphylactoid" reactions, including peptone shock.We have studied the reactions described by UNGAR et al. in order to find out if these phenomena can be correlated with the concept of fibrinolysis as developed in this laboratory (ASTRUP 1956). The purpose of this paper is to present experiments on the effect of peptone upon guinea pig serum. They were undertaken in an attempt to reproduce and extend Ungar's observations with a different technique as a basis for a further elucidation of the reactions involved in the process.
Materials and Methods.Guinea pig serum was obtained by spontaneous coagulation of blood collected from tlie carotid arteries or by cardiac puncture. The samples were stored at -20° C. The peptone was (if not otherwise stated) "Bacteriological Peptone", RMC, kindly supplied by Roskilde Medical
In two hospitalized obese, non-diabetic women on a 1250 calorie diet, the administration of metformin increased the rate of weight loss. A rebound effect was observed on withdrawal.
These phenomena could not be correlated to changes in the total weight, dry weight or fat content of faeces or to variations in fluid intake and diuresis. Although faecal losses of fat and dry matter increased with the dose of metformin, the degree of malabsorption was too small to account for any significant part of the weight loss.
The administration and the withdrawal of metformin produced changes in body weight similar to those provoked by restriction of calories, or selective carbohydrate restriction and re-alimentation, respectively.
Since such rapid shifts in weight are largely due to changes in water-balance, it is highly probable that metformin reduces the amount of body water. The mechanism involved may concern a decrease in carbohydrate metabolism as well as an increase in that of fat.
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