[Pathogenic action of Erwinia herbicola. II. In vivo investigations]

The pulmonary response of guinea pigs to inhalation of antigen and endotoxin of Erwinia herbicola was investigated. Pulmonary parameters monitored in this study were breathing rate, cellular differential counts from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, superoxide anion and interleukin-1 (IL-1) production by alveolar macrophages. Both agents caused an increase in breathing rate; an influx of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and red blood cells to the lung; and an enhancement of secretion of superoxide anions and IL-1 by pulmonary macrophages. The results indicate significant role of extrinsic bacilli Erwinia herbicola in respiratory pathology and show new mechanisms of their action.