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Histopathological effects of anthrax lethal factor on rat liver
Berrin Zuhal Altunkaynak1, Elvan Ozbek
1Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Ondokuz Mayıs University , Samsun , Turkey and.
Journal of Immunotoxicology
|December 19, 2013
Summary
Lethal factor (LF) from Bacillus anthracis causes significant liver damage in rats, even without protective antigen (PA). This anthrax toxin alone induces hepatotoxicity, affecting liver cells and vasculature.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Microbiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Bacillus anthracis is a bioterrorism concern.
- Anthrax lethal toxin (LT) comprises lethal factor (LF) and protective antigen (PA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if LF alone acts as a hepatotoxin without PA.
- To investigate the direct toxic effects of LF on rat livers.
Main Methods:
- Adult rats were injected with LF (100 µg/kg) or a vehicle control.
- Livers were harvested 24 hours post-injection for microscopic examination (light and electron).
Main Results:
- LF injection caused significant hepatic injury, including hepatocellular lysis and damage to cytoplasm and nuclei.
- Microscopic analysis revealed ballooning degeneration, inflammation, increased Kupffer cells, and vascular damage leading to hypoxia.
- Ultrastructural examination confirmed cytoplasmic and nuclear alterations in liver cells.
Conclusions:
- Lethal factor (LF) is a potent hepatotoxin on its own.
- PA may modulate LF's toxicity, or vice versa, contributing to overall lethality.
