Abstract |
Shock, a common and frequently fatal manifestation of gas gangrene caused by Clostridium perfringens, is probably mediated by extracellular toxins. Previous studies implicating alpha-toxin as the major lethal factor were frequently done with preparations contaminated with a second lethal factor, theta-toxin. We purified alpha- and theta-toxins from C. perfringens and demonstrated that both were lethal to mice. We investigated the effects of these purified toxins on cardiovascular function in intact rabbits; both toxins caused profound hypotension and bradycardia within 40 min. Reduced cardiac output preceded the development of hypotension and bradycardia. Purified alpha-toxin produced a dose-dependent reduction in myocardial function in isolated rabbit atrial preparations. Purified theta-toxin did not directly inhibit myocardial function. Shock induced by alpha-toxin may be partly mediated by direct depression of myocardial function. theta-Toxin reduced cardiac output in intact animals but had no direct effects on isolated heart preparations at concentrations that induced shock in intact animals. These data suggest that theta-toxin-induced shock could be mediated by an endogenous myocardial depressant factor.
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Authors | D L Stevens, B E Troyer, D T Merrick, J E Mitten, R D Olson |
Journal | The Journal of infectious diseases
(J Infect Dis)
Vol. 157
Issue 2
Pg. 272-9
(Feb 1988)
ISSN: 0022-1899 [Print] United States |
PMID | 2891775
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Bacterial Toxins
- Calcium-Binding Proteins
- Hemolysin Proteins
- Clostridium perfringens theta-toxin
- Type C Phospholipases
- alpha toxin, Clostridium perfringens
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Topics |
- Animals
- Bacterial Toxins
(toxicity)
- Blood Pressure
(drug effects)
- Calcium-Binding Proteins
- Cardiac Output
(drug effects)
- Clostridium perfringens
- Female
- Gas Gangrene
(complications)
- Heart
(drug effects)
- Heart Rate
(drug effects)
- Hemodynamics
(drug effects)
- Hemolysin Proteins
(toxicity)
- Male
- Mice
- Rabbits
- Shock, Septic
(etiology)
- Type C Phospholipases
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