Modulation of granulocyte functions by bacterial exotoxin and endotoxins
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Intravenous Endotoxin Challenge in Healthy Humans: An Experimental Platform to Investigate and Modulate Systemic Inflammation
Published on: May 16, 2016
K D Bremm1, W König, M Thelestam
1Lehrstuhl für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Immunologie, AG Infektabwehr, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, West Germany.
Abstract:
The modulation of granulocyte functions by bacterial exotoxins (Streptolysin O, alveolysin, theta toxin) and endotoxins from salmonella and lipid A is described here. Incubation of polymorphonuclear granulocytes with thiol-activated toxins resulted in an increased leukotriene generation. Toxin-pretreated PMNs revealed an increased omega oxidation of LTB4, which may explain why toxin-stimulated cells release more LTC4 than LTB4. Furthermore, toxin-pretreated PMNs showed a decreased leukotriene generation on subsequent stimulation with the Ca-ionophore A 23187 or opsonized zymosan.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Bacterial Toxins
Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence
Regulation of Bacterial Virulence
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects

