Pharmacological effect of beta toxin of Clostridium perfringens type C on rats

The biological effect of purified beta toxin of Clostridium perfringens type C in vivo was investigated. After intravenous injection of the purified beta toxin into rats, a rise in blood pressure and a simultaneous fall in heart rate were observed. After the blood pressure reached a maximum, the heart rate recovered gradually, and electrocardiographic and respiratory changes began. The rise in blood pressure induced by beta toxin tended to be proportional to the amount of toxin. The latent period between the injection of toxin and the onset of the increase, and also the time between the injection and the maximum pressure induced by the toxin decreased with increasing concentration of the toxin. A good correlation was found between the factor producing the rise in blood pressure and beta toxin. Alpha adrenergic and ganglionic blocking agents reduced blood pressure levels elevated by beta toxin. The data suggest that the toxin causes a release of catecholamines, and that the increase in blood pressure was induced by released catecholamines.