FOODS RICH IN ARGININE To THE EDITOR I would like a list of the foods rich in arginine. Is there any normal or abnormal process in the body that can increase the production of arginine endogenously? Have the organisms, chemicals, or enzymes been identified that produce the putrefaction of albuminous material in the intestinal tract, and can such a process take place in other tissues of the living organism? Are there any chemicals, drugs, or antienzymes known that may hinder or prevent such changes in albumen or proteins? Mitchell Burdick, M.D., Erie, Pa. ANSWER. Most proteins contain a good amount of arginine. Gelatin is one of the richest sources, with meat, legumes, eggs, and cereal proteins following in order. Arginine can be synthesized in the body, but the rate of synthesis is not sufficient to meet the requirements in rapidly growing animals. The organisms involved in the putrefaction of protein material in the intestinal tract are the coliform organisms. The enzymes involved are the decarboxylases and the deaminases. These enzymes have been studied largely in bacteria, but they have also been found in animal tissues. These enzymes are undoubtedly utilized in the normal metabolism of amino acids, but it is possible that under abnormal conditions compounds PREVENTION OF BLOCKING OF INDWELLING CATHETER To THE EDITOR In THE JOURNAL, Aug. 6, 1955, page 1329, a question was asked regarding the formula for irrigating solution to use in an indwelling catheter in the urinary bladder to prevent blocking by deposition of crystals. I would agree with the answer but I do not feel that it is complete. Dr. Suby of Boston has been working for a number of years with various solutions with the aim of trying to dissolve urinary calculi. He contributed much to our information. His solution G is very useful in irrigating indwelling catheters to decrease the amount of blockage that takes place by the deposition of crystals. Many people will tolerate a catheter or a suprapubic tube for a period of time, but, sooner or later, urinary salts are deposited on the lining of the tube and, if allowed to go long enough, may completely block the lumen. By the use of Subys solution G, while this cannot be entirely prevented for an indefinite period of time, still it may be slowed down so that the tube remains clean and free of crystals for a much longer period than it would be without them. Solution G contains citric acid monohydrate, 32.5 gm.; magnesium oxide, anhydrous, 3.84 gm.; sodium carbonate, anhydrous, 4.37 gm.; and distilled water, 1,000 cc. The reaction of the solution is pH 4. One must remember that to irrigate the bladder two or three times a day with an Asepto syringe and solution may cause the bladder to become irritable as a result of this acid pH. This may produce some slight tendency to bladder spasm and even on occasion some blood in the irrigating fluid; however, this will usually subside if the irrigations are stopped for two or three days and then resumed. Roland R. Cross Jr., M.D. 952 N. Michigan Ave.Chicago 11. Chicago 11.