The pathophysiological effects of Moraxella bovis toxins on cattle, mice and guinea pigs

In three experiments, cattle, mice and guinea pigs were inoculated with viable cultures of Moraxella bovis or fractions of this organism. Fractions were obtained by disruption of cells with a fractionator at 20,000 pounds per square inch, and separating the cell wall and cell sap fractions by differential centrifugation. Cell sap fractions were further separated by ultra-centrifugation, heating and precipitation with (NH(4))(2) SO(4). Different fractions induced different pathophysiological manifestations. The cell wall fractions caused localized lesions (necrosis) at the site of injection, and emphysema and congestion of the lungs. Cell sap fractions induced a "shock syndrome," as well as hemorrhage and inflammation of the intestines, hemorrhage and congestion of lymph nodes, liver, adrenal and spleen. Cell sap also induced conjunctivitis in mice and guinea pigs, and periocular edema, myosis, ocular pruritus and lacrimation in cattle. The authors suggest that M. bovis probably produces endotoxins and exotoxins as well as possibly a specific oculopathic substance, but more definitive work is needed to confirm this. They caution that consideration of these toxins should be made in any application of M. bovis for vaccines or other immunological studies.