Comparative effects of chlortetracycline and cortisone on a local monilial lesion in the mouse.

The course of a local, closed monilial lesion in the thigh of the mouse is described. Treatment of animals suffering from this lesion with subcutaneous chlortetracycline in near-toxic doses leads to a persistent suppression of the lesion indistinguishable from a curative effect. Treatment with subcutaneous cortisone produces suppression of the lesion during treatment with subsequent "rebound".Super-injection of the lesions with chlortetracycline produces a very large and persistent swelling. Treatment of these lesions with subcutaneous chlortetracycline in near-toxic doses produces suppression and "rebound" resembling that seen in lesions super-injected and treated with cortisone. Aspirin, chosen for its insolubility and acidity, and turpentine, chosen for its irritant effect, did not reproduce the effects of chlortetracycline or cortisone.While it is possible that the suppressive effect of chlortetracycline and cortisone is in certain circumstances related, the local irritant effect of chlortetracycline plays an important part in the enhancement of these lesions.