The lipid components in "lepra cells" in the peritoneum and spleen were identified in mice infected with Mycobacterium lepraemurium. The major components were " thought to be phospholipids, fatty acids and firmly bound lipids ". Neither neutral fat nor cholestérols were demonstrated.

Skin biopsy specimens from 21 Chinese patients with leprosy were also studied. 14 patients had lepromatous leprosy, 2 had tuberculoid, and among the remaining 5 patients, all of whom had been treated with clofazimme, there were 2 who had lepromatous and 3 who had intermediate leprosy. In the tissue from patients with lepromatous leprosy there were large quantities of fatty acids and phospholipids, and small amounts of neutral fat and firmly bound lipids. In tissue from patients with tuberculoid leprosy there was " only a trace of lipid staining ". In tissue from patients who had been treated with clofazimine there was " more neutral fat and firmly bound lipids, and less fatty acids and phospholipids ". 9 tables and 4 photomicrographs illustrate the findings. C. S. Goodwin.