ISSN:
1432-0991
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract. We investigated some immunogenic properties of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) in vitro using murine J774A macrophages (MΦ) and in vivo using Swiss Webster (SW) mice. CPE was a potent mitogen in vitro, where cell proliferation increased with CPE concentration. CPE was nonmitogenic when MΦ were concurrently incubated with CPE and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). MΦ incubated in the presence of CPE induced the synthesis of interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), but not interleukin-2 (IL-2). In vivo, CPE induced a pro-inflammatory cytokine response with striking production of IFN-γ, IL-1, and IL-6. Regardless of route of CPE entry, serum cytokine levels generally peaked within 1 h of administration and were maintained for 4–8 h. Although CPE engenders an intense immune response during toxicosis, the toxin does not appear to be a superantigen. Death from CPE-induced shock appears to result from various interrelating immunological mechanisms.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002849900410
