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Somnogenic, pyrogenic, and hematologic effects of experimental pasteurellosis in rabbits
1Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Tennessee, Memphis 38163.
Abstract:
Previous work has demonstrated that intravenous inoculation of rabbits with various microorganisms induces complex time-dependent alterations in sleep as well as other pathophysiological effects typically associated with infectious disease. To evaluate the effects of bacterial challenge that more closely resembles naturally developing disease, we inoculated rabbits with Pasteurella multocida, a common pathogen of this species, using routes of administration that mimic normal routes of exposure. Biphasic sleep alterations characterized initially by enhanced slow-wave sleep and later by decreased slow-wave sleep occurred after intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intranasal inoculation. Rapid-eye-movement sleep was inhibited for most of the 48-h period after inoculation. Inoculation by all four routes also induced fever and qualitatively similar hematologic changes. However, the magnitude and specific temporal patterns of both somnogenic changes and other pathophysiological effects varied with the route of inoculation.
Insights
Bacterial infection in rabbits causes biphasic sleep changes, initially increasing then decreasing slow-wave sleep. Rapid-eye-movement sleep was consistently inhibited following Pasteurella multocida inoculation via various routes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Sleep Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microorganism inoculation in rabbits causes sleep alterations and pathophysiological effects.
- Previous studies used intravenous inoculation, which may not reflect natural infection routes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Pasteurella multocida inoculation using routes mimicking natural exposure.
- To characterize the biphasic sleep alterations and other pathophysiological responses to bacterial challenge.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits were inoculated with Pasteurella multocida via intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intranasal routes.
- Sleep patterns (slow-wave sleep and rapid-eye-movement sleep) and physiological parameters (fever, hematology) were monitored for 48 hours.
Main Results:
- All inoculation routes induced biphasic sleep alterations: initial enhancement followed by decreased slow-wave sleep.
- Rapid-eye-movement sleep was inhibited across all routes for most of the 48-hour period.
- Fever and hematologic changes were observed, with route-dependent variations in magnitude and timing.
Conclusions:
- Pasteurella multocida inoculation via natural routes induces complex, biphasic sleep alterations and systemic effects in rabbits.
- The route of bacterial exposure significantly influences the temporal dynamics and intensity of the host's response.