IN A DISEASE, such as lupus Erythematosus, for which the etiology is unknown, a great deal of effort becomes directed toward the expansion of knowledge of its hematology, cytology and pathology. It is well not to overlook investigations into the physiologic or functional alterations which occur in this condition, for a clue may come from this direction.
The new staining technics have thrown much light on the pathology of lupus erythematosus. They may also indicate what lies behind this pathology. Altschuler and Angevine of the University of Wisconsin 1 and many others expressed the opinion that the essential feature of fibrinoid degeneration is the precipitation of acid mucopolysaccharide. The compound in this group that has been mentioned most frequently in recent medical literature is hyaluronic acid. This is a large and structurally asymmetric compound which is highly viscous even in low concentrations. The aforementioned authors stated the belief that the