Studies on the Mechanism of the Shwartzman Phenomenon. Evidence for the Participation of Polymorphonuclear Leucocytes in the Phenomenon.

The inhibition of the Shwartzman phenomenon by nitrogen mustard and benzene has been confirmed and investigated further. This inhibition can be correlated with the leucopenia induced by these agents. Evidence is presented indicating that polymorphonuclear leucocytes play an essential role in the preparation of the skin for the Shwartzman phenomenon.