The probable pathogenic role of adenosine in malaria.

An increase in concentration of 0·14 mg./ml. of adenosine was demonstrated in the blood of Macaca mulatta infected with Plasmodium knowlesi at the advanced stages of the infection. The recorded increase may help to explain the physiological and pathological changes that occur in malaria, especially in relation to the dynamic and permeability functions of the smaller blood vessels. It is, however, suggested that the release of this agent into the circulation in greater concentration in the acute stages of malarial infection, could probably play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease.