S. Bogoch
Feb 1, 1958
Citations
1
Influential Citations
68
Citations
Journal
The Biochemical journal
Abstract
of the phylloerythrin absorption bands and the dependence of R on small wavelength differences require accurate calibration of the spectrophotometer and the use of narrow slit widths. The highest plasma phylloerythrin level so far found with the method described has been 0 3 mg./ 100 ml., in a sheep poisoned by Panicum miliaceum, although Clare (1944) estimates that levels up to at least 1-6 mg./100 ml. occur in severe cases of facial eczema in sheep. The method appears to be applicable to other biological materials, especially urine. Phylloerythrin has been detected in the urine of humans on vegetable diets (Kemeri, 1924; Fischer & Hilmer, 1925), indicating that absorption of chlorophylldegradation products from the gut can take place in humans. Whether phylloerythrinaemia occurs in human-liver dysfunctions and porphyrias is not at present known, but the method described makes feasible the examination of blood from affected persons. In addition to its application to photosensitivities of unknown origin it also enables information to be obtained on the concentrations of phylloerythrin involved in photosensitization in sheep and cattle.