It is presumed that in normal and gouty individuals atophan induces an augmented output of uric acid in the urine and a decreased concentration in the blood (and tissues) by endowing the renal cells with an increased power for eliminating uric acid.1 In nephritis,2 accordingly, the renal cells, which have become abnormal and whose work has been impeded by interstitial growth, would be expected to respond less readily to this stimulus. In the present communication are presented six cases of nephritis, which illustrate the diminished, or entire absence of any, effect of atophan on the concentration of uric acid in the blood.3
The observations in Case 1 were made before the onset of marked uremic symptoms. The reduction in the uric acid concentration of the blood following the use of atophan is relatively slight, in accordance with which there is no demonstrable increase in the urinary uric