Effects of inhaled endotoxin-containing bacteria.
Authors
DeMaria-TF; Burrell-R
Source
Environ Res 1980 Oct; 23(1):87-97
Abstract
The pulmonary effects of endotoxin containing bacteria were studied in rabbits of either sex. Unimmunized rabbits were challenged with 5.0 milliliters of viable Escherichia-coli cells without envelope antigens. Changes in arterial blood gases, leukocytes, platelets and the peripheral complement were monitored as indices of inhalation response. Purified endotoxin and heat treated E-coli cells were used for a single challenge and consistent elevation in arterial oxygen tensions (PaO2) with concurrent depressions in PaO2 were observed 4 hours after challenge. Animals had leukocytosis after challenge which continued for up to 4 hours. There was no evidence of fever. Significant decreases in PaO2 occurred several hours after challenge and persisted for 8 hours. A decline in the circulating platelets coincided with depressed PaO2. Hemorrhagic lung injury resulted in the death of some of the experimental animals. Among the animals that survived, PaO2 values returned to normal in 24 hours. Indomethacin effectively inhibited the changes observed following a dual challenge. The authors suggest that common endotoxin containing microorganisms cause pulmonary reactions in at least two ways. The prevalence of gram negative organisms facilitates pulmonary injury in persons subject to a variety of occupational exposures.
Keywords
NIOSH-Publication; NIOSH-Grant; Pulmonary-system-disorders; Laboratory-animals; Endotoxins; Lung-disorders; Lung-irritants; Pulmonary-function; Immunology
Contact
Microbiology West Virginia University Med C Department of Microbiology Morgantown, W VA 26506
Document Type
Journal Article
Identifying No.
Grant-Number-R01-OH-00360
Priority Area
Pulmonary-system-disorders
Source Name
Environmental Research
Performing Organization
West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
