Experimental Cholera Produced by Choleragenic Filtrates: Localization of Toxins by Fluorescent Antibody Techniques
Abstract
Experimental cholera was induced by feeding filtrates of V. Cholerae broth culture to suckling rabbits through gastric tubes. The dissemination of cholera metabolites containing both exotoxin and endotoxin was then traced by fluorescent antibody techniques at different time intervals after administration. A pattern of distribution of the toxins indicating various phases and rates of absorption through intestinal mucosa was demonstrated. The bacterial toxins passed through the brush border of intestinal villi and into the cells of the lining epithelium. Later these substances were detected in deeper portions of the mucosa and submucosa and in the walls of small blood vessels. They penetrated the vessel wall barriers achieving systematic distribution. Fluorescence appeared predominantly in the kidney and lung but lesser amounts were found in the heart, liver, and spleen. Fluorescence in the kidney was first demonstrated in the tubular lumens and was later seen absorbed onto the tubular epithelial cells. The presence of fluorescent complexes in heart, liver and lung tissue correlates with histologic findings of focal myocarditis, hepatic parenchymal degeneration, and pneumonitis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 25, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0750821
Entities
People
- B. T. Schaeffer
- R. I. Walker
- S. C. Sun
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Center