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Histological alterations in mice induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa slime glycolipoprotein
H I Papadaki1, G Dimitracopoulos, D Bonicos
1Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Greece.
Abstract:
The time course of lesion development in mice induced by a single intraperitoneal (ip) LD50 dose of Pseudomonas aeruginosa slime glycolipoprotein (GLP) was studied. Slime GLP exerted a marked effect on the lungs, liver and kidneys without any microscopic changes in other organs. The first histological lesions were observed in the lungs 7h after ip injection and were characterized by thickening and pleomorphic inflammatory infiltration of the intraalveolar septae leading to focal atelectasis by 28 h. The initial morphological alterations in the liver were observed at 14 h and consisted of balloon degeneration of the hepatocytes, especially around the central veins, leading to fatty change within 21 h and confluent hepatocellular necrosis at 28 h. The kidneys showed hydropic degeneration of the renal tubular epithelial cells at 14 h and frank necrosis by 28 h post ip injection. The kidney and liver lesions were accompanied by a parallel rise in serum levels of blood urea nitrogen and aspartate and alanine aminotransferases.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa slime glycolipoprotein (GLP) causes lung, liver, and kidney damage in mice. Histological analysis revealed progressive lesions, including inflammation, necrosis, and organ dysfunction, within 28 hours.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pathology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen.
- Slime glycolipoprotein (GLP) is a key component of P. aeruginosa.
- Understanding GLP's toxic effects is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the time course of organ damage induced by P. aeruginosa slime GLP.
- To characterize the histological lesions in mice following GLP exposure.
- To correlate organ damage with biochemical markers.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered a single intraperitoneal LD50 dose of P. aeruginosa slime GLP.
- Histological examination of major organs was performed at various time points (7h, 14h, 21h, 28h).
- Serum levels of blood urea nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were measured.
Main Results:
- P. aeruginosa slime GLP induced significant lesions primarily in the lungs, liver, and kidneys.
- Lung lesions included intraalveolar septal thickening and inflammatory infiltration, leading to atelectasis.
- Liver damage progressed from balloon degeneration to hepatocellular necrosis; kidney damage showed hydropic degeneration and necrosis.
- Elevated blood urea nitrogen and liver enzymes paralleled the observed kidney and liver lesions.
Conclusions:
- P. aeruginosa slime GLP is a potent toxin causing rapid and severe damage to the lungs, liver, and kidneys in mice.
- The observed histological changes and biochemical markers indicate significant organ dysfunction following GLP exposure.
- This study provides a detailed timeline of GLP-induced organ pathology, highlighting its potential role in P. aeruginosa pathogenesis.