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NZB/NZW F1 mice that received from birth prolonged high dose administration of SDNA-poly-d-lysine, or intermittent SDNA-poly-d-lysine followed by cyclophosphamide lived significantly longer than their controls. In association with the increased survival the following alterations in laboratory parameters were observed: decreased levels of anti-DNA antibodies, decreased numbers of spleen plaque-forming cells against DNA-coated RBC, less histologic and immunofluorescent evidence of glomerulonephritis, and less IgG in kidney eluates. The results suggest that tolerance to SDNA will increase survival and decrease tissue lesions.

A 52-year-old male was observed with the recent development of progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS). The most prominent symptoms of the PSS were circulatory, with pain in the digits, severe Raynaud's phenomenon and associated atrophic changes and ulcerations of the fingertips. Therapy with phenoxybenzamine was instituted in an attempt to improve digital blood flow. Rapid development of dry gangrene of several digits was observed over the following month. A possible association between phenoxybenzamine therapy and decreased digital circulation is discussed.T h e therapy of progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) and the Raynaud's phenomenon with which it is associated is notoriously difficult. Numerous drug regimens have been advocated by various authors, including: a) drugs which produce peripheral vasodilatation via direct action on vascular smooth muscle, depletion of catecholamines, ganglionic blockade or alpha adrenergic blockade, b) hormones, c) drugs which may alter the properties of collagen such as pencillamine, d) corticosteroids and e) immunosuppressive agents such as azathioprine, T h e m o s t p o p u l a r d r u g s u s e d i n t h e management of Raynaud's phenomenon are those which produce peripheral vasodilatation. Among these there has been an increasing enthusiasm for phenoxybenzamine. T h e purpose of this communication is to describe a case of P S S in which the administration of phenoxybenzamine was followed by the rapid development of dry gangrene in multiple digits. CASE REPORTJA, a 52-year-old black male, was first admitted to the St. Louis Veterans Administration Hospital in May 1967, complaining of progressively severe shortness of breath. He was found to have congestive heart failure, bilateral pleural effusions, iron deficiency anemia with a hematocrit of 20% no stainable iron in his bone marrow and occult blood in the stools. Electrocardiogram indicated an incomplete left bundle branch block. An upper gastrointestinal series revealed a polypoid tumor in the duodenum. Therapy consisted of transfusions of packed red blood cells, digoxin and diuretics. The polyp was removed at laparotomy and microscopic examination showed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma with submucosal invasion and the resection line free of tumor. Discharge medications included only ferrous sulfate and digoxin.