ISSN:
1432-0851
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The effects of intravenous administration of the insoluble methanol extraction residue (MER) of tubercle bacilli were studied in six adult Beagle dogs. All animals were closely monitored for clinical signs, alterations in serum biochemistry or hematologic values, and for gross and histologic findings at autopsy. Immune responsiveness was assessed by skin reactivity to test antigens and by ability of spleen and lymph node lymphocytes to produce macrophage activating factor (MAF). Regardless of the dose of MER or frequency of administration, there were no clinical or biochemical alterations detected in the animals. Immediately after injection of MER, a massive but transient granulocytopenia appeared. Skin reactivity failed to demonstrate any alterations in immune responsiveness, but lymphocytes from MER-treated dogs released MAF in response to in vitro stimulation with purified protein derivative (PPD) in contrast to those from nontreated control dogs. Histologic findings were associated with the immune response to MER and were most dramatic in the liver and lungs, where formation of a large number of epithelioid granulomas was observed. MER, intravenously administered in relatively high doses, was well tolerated by dogs, in whom it produced little evidence of toxicity, and seemed to increase some systemic immunologic effects.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00200076
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