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Pathology in rabbits treated with leukocyte-degraded meningococci in combination with meningococcal endotoxin
Abstract:
The effects of a preparative dose of the leukocyte egesta containing degraded meningococci and a provocative dose of the meningococcal lipopolysaccharide on development of pathological lesions associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation were studied in tissues of 32 rabbits. These effects were compared with effects of a single dose of meningococcal lipopolysaccharide as well as leukocyte egesta containing degraded Staphylococcus epidermidis. Rabbits injected subcutaneously with egesta containing degraded meningococci followed after 12 h with meningococcal endotoxin (intravenously) exhibited heterophilic leukocytosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation mainly in the pulmonary capillaries and venules; focal necroses occurred in myocardium, lungs, and liver, whereas, cortical renal necrosis developed in lethal cases. Similar lesions, however, but less severe and with less frequency, developed even after a single dose of meningococcal endotoxin or after endotoxin that followed a dose of supernatant fluid from normal leukocytes. Our findings suggest that meningococcal material from polymorphonuclear degradation plays a role in the pathology characteristic of meningococcal septicemia.
Insights
Degraded meningococci material from polymorphonuclear leukocytes contributes to pathological lesions and disseminated intravascular coagulation in meningococcal septicemia. This suggests a role in disease development.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a severe complication of bacterial septicemia.
- Meningococcal septicemia can lead to significant tissue damage and organ failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathological effects of meningococcal material from polymorphonuclear leukocyte degradation on the development of DIC.
- To compare these effects with those of meningococcal lipopolysaccharide alone and degraded Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Main Methods:
- 32 rabbits were used to study the effects of preparative and provocative doses of leukocyte egesta and meningococcal lipopolysaccharide.
- Lesion development associated with DIC was analyzed in various tissues.
Main Results:
- Rabbits receiving degraded meningococci followed by meningococcal endotoxin showed heterophilic leukocytosis and DIC, primarily in pulmonary vasculature.
- Focal necroses were observed in the myocardium, lungs, and liver; cortical renal necrosis occurred in lethal cases.
- Similar, but less severe, lesions were noted after a single dose of meningococcal endotoxin or endotoxin following normal leukocyte supernatant.
Conclusions:
- Meningococcal material derived from polymorphonuclear degradation plays a role in the pathology of meningococcal septicemia.
- This material contributes to the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation and tissue necrosis.