THE INFLUENCE OF ULTRA-VIOLET RADIATION ON THE WEIGHT OF ADULT RABBITS, NORMAL AND SYPHILITIC

In summarizing the results obtained for these 6 groups of animals, the following conclusions may be drawn: Normal rabbits living in total darkness and exposed to ultra-violet radiation at regular intervals showed a more rapid rate of increase in weight than animals living under the same condition, but after an initial period of rapid increase, the irradiated animals maintained a lower body weight than those living in the dark. Under the same conditions, animals inoculated with T. pallidum and exposed to ultra-violet light maintained a lower weight than the corresponding control groups living in total darkness. Furthermore, the mortality rate from pneumonic infection was found to be greater in animals exposed to ultra-violet radiation than in those living entirely in the dark. It is evident, therefore, that, under the conditions given, ultra-violet radiation was detrimental rather than beneficial.