[Changes of various lipid fractions in experimental intoxication with diphtheric and tetanic toxins]

In the present study , the Authors have examined the effects of diphtheria and tetanus toxins on the lipid metabolism in the rabbit. Ten animals were treated with diphtheria toxin (five with 1 DL50 and five with 5 DL50 guinea pig). Ten animals were treated with tetanus toxin (five with 1 DL50 and 5 with 5 DL50 guinea pig). Finally, five animals were used as controls. The total lipids, the two cholesterol fractions, the total cholesterol, the triglycerides and the NEFA were measured 4, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after the beginning of the experiment. The animals treated with diphtheria toxin all died within 48 hours, and only those given the higher dose of toxin showed an increase in NEFA, found immediately before they died. The animals treated with tetanus toxin all survived and only those injected with the higher dose of toxin showed an increase in the esterificated fraction of cholesterol. The Authors conclude by affirming that the two toxins tested do not have significant influence on the lipid picture in the rabbit.