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Published on: August 19, 2016
HOST-PARASITE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG GROUP A STREPTOCOCCI. 3. DEPRESSION OF RETICULOENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION BY
Abstract:
Hanna, Edgar E. (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis), and Dennis W. Watson. Host-parasite relationships among group A streptococci. III. Depression of reticuloendothelial function by streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins. J. Bacteriol. 89:154-158. 1965.-Measurement of the rate of clearance of colloidal carbon from the circulating blood is an effective and simple technique for assessing the functional state of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) of experimental animals. This paper concerns a study of the RES function in rabbits after treatment with streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins. Intravenous injection of 1.0 ml of the toxin produced by a strain of type 18, group A streptococcus caused a prolonged (at least 24 hr) depression of RES function. The activity at 48 hr after toxin injection was about equal to that in control animals. Repeated intravenous injections of the toxin abolished the initial depressing effect on RES function, but did not cause stimulation. In comparison, intravenous injection of equivalent doses of endotoxin prepared from Escherichia coli COO8 also caused an initial depression of RES function; however, in contrast with the effect of exotoxin, stimulation occurred as early as 24 hr and was about twice as active at 48 hr. The prolonged depression by streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin is suggested as one means by which this toxin potentiates lethality and tissue damage by other toxins such as streptolysin O and endotoxins from gram-negative bacteria.
Insights
Group A streptococci pyrogenic exotoxins prolonged depress reticuloendothelial system (RES) function in rabbits. This depression may enhance the harmful effects of other toxins, increasing lethality and tissue damage.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Host-parasite interactions are crucial in understanding bacterial pathogenesis.
- Group A streptococci produce pyrogenic exotoxins with significant biological activity.
- The reticuloendothelial system (RES) plays a vital role in host defense.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins on reticuloendothelial system (RES) function.
- To compare the RES-modulating effects of streptococcal exotoxins with bacterial endotoxins.
Main Methods:
- Experimental animals (rabbits) were treated with streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins.
- Reticuloendothelial system (RES) function was assessed by measuring the clearance rate of colloidal carbon from circulating blood.
- Comparisons were made with animals treated with Escherichia coli endotoxin.
Main Results:
- Intravenous injection of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin caused a prolonged depression of RES function (at least 24 hours).
- Repeated toxin administration did not lead to stimulation but abolished the initial depression.
- Escherichia coli endotoxin caused initial RES depression followed by stimulation within 24-48 hours.
Conclusions:
- Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins significantly and persistently impair RES function.
- This prolonged RES depression is a potential mechanism for potentiating the toxicity of other agents like streptolysin O and gram-negative endotoxins.
- Understanding these host-parasite interactions is key to addressing streptococcal infections.
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