Changes in blood chemistry and liver histopathology of rabbits during experimental tetanus toxicity

Changes in blood chemistry, especially blood glucose, were studied in rabbits developing tetanus after injection of tetanus toxin. Blood glucose levels increased significantly above control values after the animals developed tetanus. The increase in glucose level paralleled the depletion of liver glycogen, detected by means of PAS staining. The observed changes were not affected by adrenergic receptor block or catecholamine depletion by reserpine, suggesting non-mediation of the sympathetic nervous system in the response. A direct action of the toxin on the liver, initiating glycogen depletion, is being postulated.