Salmonella 3, 10:r: toxicity in rabbit ileum and liver by light and electron microscopy

Salmonella 3, 10:r:- (a monophasic variety of otherwise diphasic serotypes such as S. weltevreden and S. simi) Cell_free filtrate, when introduded into rabbit ligated ileal loops causes fluid exsorption, as studied 18-hr after treatment. Light microscopic histology of treated ileum shows denudation of the columnar epithelium at several places, thereby allowing the passage of the toxic principle into circulation. An important target organ, liver shows extensive centrilobular necrosis, as observed by light microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy of ileum reveals opening of membrane junctions between the adjacent cells of epithelial lining of the treated ileum at places, and focal devitalization including formation of intra-cellular membranous inclusinos. Electron microscopy of liver shows extensive damage and swelling of cytoplasmic membranes. However, the areas of darkly staining lamellae of granulated endoplasmic reticulum are also seen in stacks as will as dispersed. These studies stress that Salmonella toxic substances can cause extensive damage to intestine and liver both.