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THE ROLE OF THE RETICULO-ENDOTHELIAL SYSTEM IN IMMUNITY : IV. THE ACTION OF DIPHTHERIA TOXIN IN SPLENECTOMIZED AND
1Division of Laboratories and Research, New York State Department of Health, Albany.
Abstract:
1. The minimum amount of diphtheria toxin which killed normal mice of from 24 to 30 gm. in weight upon intravenous injection, was found to be between 75 and 100 times the M.F.D. for the guinea pig. When given intraperitoneally, the fatal dose for mice was as high as 200 M.F.D. 2. There was no significant difference in the lethal action of diphtheria toxin for normal mice and mice in which an elimination of the reticulo-endothelial system had been attempted by means of blocking injections of India ink, or splenectomy, or a combination of both operations. 3. Attempts to infect normal mice and mice treated as described with large doses of a highly virulent diphtheria strain were unsuccessful with both groups of animals.
Insights
Mice require significantly higher doses of diphtheria toxin to be lethal compared to guinea pigs. The reticulo-endothelial system does not appear to influence diphtheria toxin
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Diphtheria toxin is a potent exotoxin produced by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
- Understanding the lethal dose and host factors influencing susceptibility is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the lethal dose of diphtheria toxin in mice via different administration routes.
- To investigate the role of the reticulo-endothelial system in diphtheria toxin toxicity.
- To assess the susceptibility of mice to virulent diphtheria strains after reticulo-endothelial system manipulation.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous and intraperitoneal administration of diphtheria toxin to mice.
- Depletion of the reticulo-endothelial system using India ink, splenectomy, or combined methods.
- Infection attempts with a virulent diphtheria strain in normal and treated mice.
Main Results:
- The minimum lethal dose (M.F.D.) for mice was 75-100 times higher than for guinea pigs intravenously, and up to 200 M.F.D. intraperitoneally.
- Eliminating the reticulo-endothelial system did not alter the lethal effects of diphtheria toxin in mice.
- Both normal and reticulo-endothelial system-depleted mice were resistant to infection with a virulent diphtheria strain.
Conclusions:
- Mice exhibit significant resistance to diphtheria toxin compared to guinea pigs.
- The reticulo-endothelial system does not play a critical role in modulating the lethal effects of diphtheria toxin in mice.
- Mice are generally refractory to infection with virulent diphtheria strains under these experimental conditions.
