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In vitro interactions between rabbit alveolar macrophages and Pasteurella tularensis
Abstract:
Nutter, J. E. (Fort Detrick, Frederick, Md.), and Q. N. Myrvik. In vitro interactions between rabbit alveolar macrophages and Pasteurella tularensis. J. Bacteriol. 92:645-651. 1966.-Rabbit alveolar macrophages were successfully employed in a study of host cell-Pasteurella tularensis interactions in vitro. Under cell culture conditions in which inhibitory antibiotics were not employed and small infection ratios were used, the relative in vivo virulence of two strains of P. tularensis was duplicated. As a consequence of intracellular multiplication, normal macrophages were killed in relation to the virulence of the strain employed. Alveolar macrophages were also collected from immune rabbits, and macrophage mortality and bacterial growth were significantly suppressed below levels observed with normal macrophage preparations. The effect of immune serum could only be ascribed a minor role in the observed reactions. A marked intravenous toxicity of P. tularensis for the rabbit was observed with both virulent and attenuated strains. The toxicity was possessed only by viable preparations and could be elicited in animals immune to virulent challenge.
Insights
Rabbit alveolar macrophages effectively model Pasteurella tularensis interactions. Macrophage survival and bacterial growth were influenced by bacterial strain virulence and rabbit immunity, demonstrating key aspects of tularemia pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Pasteurella tularensis is a bacterium that causes tularemia.
- Understanding host-pathogen interactions is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro interactions between rabbit alveolar macrophages and Pasteurella tularensis.
- To assess the role of rabbit immunity in controlling Pasteurella tularensis infection.
Main Methods:
- Culturing rabbit alveolar macrophages.
- Infecting macrophages with different strains of Pasteurella tularensis.
- Evaluating macrophage viability and bacterial growth.
Main Results:
- Normal macrophages were killed in proportion to the virulence of the Pasteurella tularensis strain.
- Immune macrophages showed suppressed bacterial growth and reduced mortality.
- Pasteurella tularensis exhibited significant intravenous toxicity in rabbits, regardless of strain virulence.
Conclusions:
- Rabbit alveolar macrophages serve as a suitable model for studying Pasteurella tularensis infections in vitro.
- Immunity significantly enhances macrophage defense against Pasteurella tularensis.
- Viable Pasteurella tularensis possesses intrinsic toxicity.