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Mononuclear cell response in the liver of mice infected with hepatotoxigenic Campylobacter jejuni
E Kita1, F Nishikawa, N Kamikaidou
1Department of Bacteriology, Nara Medical University, Japan.
Abstract:
Intragastric inoculation with hepatotoxigenic strains of Campylobacter jejuni led to the death of mice during the late phase of infection. Histological study disclosed a massive infiltration of mononuclear cells in the liver, mimicking intrahepatic hypersensitivity. Neither enterotoxigenic nor enteroinvasive Escherichia coli induced such a lesion. However, the same histopathological change was induced by injecting the hepatotoxic factor of hepatotoxigenic C. jejuni intravenously on two occasions separated by 14 days. Neither a single injection of an increased dose of the hepatotoxic factor nor two injections, the second of which was heat-inactivated, induced this change. Pre-treatment with rabbit antibody to the hepatotoxic factor inhibited the development of the hepatic lesion. These results suggest that C. jejuni-induced hepatic lesions in mice may be caused, at least in part, by the active moiety of the hepatotoxic factor. The possible mechanisms by which the toxic factor induces hepatitis as a consequence of hypersensitivity are discussed in relation to Guillain-Barré syndrome and Reiter's syndrome associated with C. jejuni enteritis.
Insights
Hepatotoxigenic Campylobacter jejuni causes liver lesions in mice. A specific hepatotoxic factor from C. jejuni appears responsible for this hypersensitivity-like hepatic damage.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Campylobacter jejuni infections can lead to extraintestinal manifestations.
- Hepatic involvement in C. jejuni infections is not well understood.
- Hepatotoxigenic strains of C. jejuni are associated with severe outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of a specific hepatotoxic factor from C. jejuni in inducing liver lesions.
- To elucidate the mechanism of C. jejuni-induced hepatitis in a murine model.
- To explore the connection between C. jejuni enteritis and autoimmune syndromes.
Main Methods:
- Intragastric inoculation of mice with C. jejuni strains.
- Intravenous injection of purified C. jejuni hepatotoxic factor.
- Histopathological examination of liver tissues.
- Immunological neutralization using specific antibodies.
Main Results:
- Hepatotoxigenic C. jejuni caused fatal liver lesions characterized by mononuclear cell infiltration.
- The C. jejuni hepatotoxic factor, when administered twice intravenously, replicated the observed hepatic lesions.
- Pre-treatment with antibodies against the hepatotoxic factor prevented lesion development.
Conclusions:
- The hepatotoxic factor of C. jejuni plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of C. jejuni-induced hepatic lesions.
- These findings suggest a hypersensitivity-mediated mechanism for C. jejuni-induced hepatitis.
- The study provides insights into potential links between C. jejuni enteritis and conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome.