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Biological properties of cell wall mucopeptide of hemolytic streptococci
Abstract:
Several of the toxic properties of streptococcal mucopeptide have been studied in detail. Intravenous injection of as little as 1 microg of mucopeptide, solubilized by ultrasonic treatment, elicits a reproducible febrile response. Rabbits which are made tolerant to Escherichia coli endotoxin are only partially tolerant to the subsequent injection of streptococcal mucopeptide. Soluble mucopeptide was successfully employed to prepare and provoke the localized Shwartzman reaction. Intravenous injection of 80 microg of solubilized mucopeptide leads to diffuse cellular infiltration as well as focal areas of myocardial necrosis, surrounded by inflammatory cells.
Insights
Streptococcal mucopeptide causes fever and inflammation, even in endotoxin-tolerant rabbits. This study details its toxic properties, including Shwartzman reactions and myocardial damage.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Toxicology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Streptococcal mucopeptide is a component of bacterial cell walls.
- Understanding its toxicological profile is crucial for assessing its role in disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxic properties of streptococcal mucopeptide.
- To characterize its pyrogenic and inflammatory effects.
Main Methods:
- Solubilization of streptococcal mucopeptide using ultrasonic treatment.
- Intravenous injections in rabbits to assess febrile response and Shwartzman reaction.
- Evaluation of tolerance to Escherichia coli endotoxin.
Main Results:
- As little as 1 microg of solubilized mucopeptide induced a reproducible febrile response.
- Rabbits tolerant to E. coli endotoxin showed only partial tolerance to streptococcal mucopeptide.
- Soluble mucopeptide induced the localized Shwartzman reaction.
- High-dose mucopeptide (80 microg) caused myocardial necrosis and inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Streptococcal mucopeptide possesses significant pyrogenic and inflammatory properties.
- It can elicit severe reactions, including myocardial necrosis, independent of endotoxin tolerance.
- Further research into streptococcal mucopeptide's role in inflammatory conditions is warranted.