Serology and tissue lesions in rabbits immunized with Streptococcus mutans

Rabbits were immunized i.v. or i.d. with sterile suspensions of disrupted Streptococcus mutans strain MT703 or K1R. Indirect immunofluorescence assays indicated that sera from four of 10 rabbits immunized i.d. contained antibodies reactive with monkey and human heart and kidney components; 19 of 24 rabbits immunized i.v. had antibodies reactive with these tissues. Heart-reactive antibodies were also detected by immunoelectrophoresis and indirect radioimmunoassay. These antibodies were absorbed well by cytoplasmic membranes, a whole cell extract, and an alkali extract of S. mutans but only weakly by intact bacteria. Between 6 and 8 weeks after the first i.v. administration of S. mutans vaccines, rabbits developed proteinuria and hematuria with subsequent weight loss and lethargy. Approximately 25% of the animals died from illness between the fifth and sixth month of immunization. In 13 of 15 rabbits, immune deposits of C3 and IgG, IgM, or IgA and fibrinogen were seen in kidneys within the glomeruli, basement membranes of the peritubular capillaries, and in the interstitium. In the heart, deposits were seen along the capillaries of the myocardium. In 8 of 14 rabbits, focal deposits of S. mutans antigen were detected in glomeruli and in the kidney interstitium. The kidneys showed gross pathologic and histopathologic changes. Most kidneys were pale and enlarged. Microscopic examination revealed hypercellularity of the glomeruli, presence of neutrophils, thickening of glomerular and tubular basement membranes, tubular atrophy, edema, and fibrosis of the interstitium. The kidney disease presented features of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. Microscopic examination of heart sections revealed mild perivascular infiltration by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and plasma cells in some of the rabbits.