Pharmacological Effect of Beta Toxin of Clostridium perfringens Type C on Rats

Abstract

The biological effect of purified beta toxin of Clostridium perfringens type C in vivo was investigated. After intravenous injection of the purified beta toxin into rats, a rise in blood pressure and a simultaneous fall in heart rate were observed. After the blood pressure reached a maximum, the heart rate recovered gradually, and electrocardiographic and respiratory changes began. The rise in blood pressure induced by beta toxin tended to be proportional to the amount of toxin. The latent period between the injection of toxin and the onset of the increase, and also the time between the injection and the maximum pressure induced by the toxin decreased with increasing concentration of the toxin. A good correlation was found between the factor producing the rise in blood pressure and beta toxin. Alpha adrenergic and ganglionic blocking agents reduced blood pressure levels elevated by beta toxin. The data suggest that the toxin causes a release of catecholamines, and that the increase in blood pressure was induced by released catecholamines.Clostridium perfringens type C produces beta toxin, which is lethal and nonhemolytic and, after intradermal inoculation, produces necrotic lesions in guinea pigs. Previously we reported the extensive purification of beta toxin produced by C. perfringens type C (9), and suggested that the purified toxin is a thermolabile protein (10) and similar to oxygen-labile toxins produced by other bacteria in being inactivated by oxidizing reagents and activated by reducing reagents (II). Beta toxin produced by C. perfringens type C has been thought to be closely correlated with necrotic enteritis of animals and man (2,4,5,8,14). The diseases are characterized by acute sudden onset, hemorrhagic enteritis, severe hemorrhage into the lumen of the small intestine, and early death. However, little can be said concerning the role of the toxin in the pathogenesis of the disease. To study the mode of action of the toxin, it is important to determine the biological effect of the purified beta toxin in vivo. In the present paper, we describe the effect of beta toxin on blood pressure, heart rate, cardiogram, and respiration in rats.

Effect of Clostridium perfringens Beta Toxin on Blood Pressure of Rats

“…To study the mode of action of the toxin, it is important to determine the pharmaco logicaleffect of the purified toxin in vivo. We reported that the purified toxin causes a rise in arterial blood pressure, and that alpha blocking agents such as phen tolamineand phenoxybenzamine lower or inhibit the hypertension induced by the injection of beta toxin (21). The present study gives further evidence for the pressor response to the toxin.…”

“…The present study shows that treatment with blockers acting on the auto nomicnervous system and removal of the adrenal medulla or spinal cord significantly inhibit the elevation in blood pressure induced by beta toxin of Clostridium perfringens type C. Previously we reported that the pharmacological effects of beta toxin on the cardiovascular system of rats include pressor responses (the elevations in systolic and diastolic pressure), bradycardia and arrhythmia and that alpha blocking agents prevent the elevation elicited by the toxin (21). The toxin-induced rise in pressure was accompanied by an increase in blood glucose (data not shown).…”

“…Blood pressure was recorded via the femoral artery as described previously (21 these experimental conditions. The data indicate that beta toxin produced a constrictor effect on the arteriole.…”

Response of Ligated Rabbit Ileal Loop to Clostridium perfringens Type C Strains and Their Toxic Filtrates

“…Thus, these toxins, enterotoxin and delta toxin, may possibly perform some roles in the enteritis necroticans of man and animals as well as beta toxin. The purification and biological characterization of ILEAL LOOP RESPONSE TO C. PERFRINGENS 867 beta and delta toxins have already been reported (1,14), but the response of ligated rabbit ileal loops to these purified toxins has not been observed. Further experiments on the response of ligated loops to these purified toxins are in progress at our laboratory.…”

Update on the toxins of Clostridium perfringens and their actions

“…Είναι η δεύτερη πιο θανατηφόρα τοξίνη του C perfringens, μετά την τοξίνη -ε. Η διαδικασία σύνδεσης της με τους υποδοχείς είναι μη αντιστρέψιμη, με απο τέλεσμα η χορήγηση αντιορού μετά τη σύνδεση να μην μπορεί να εξουδετερώσει την τοξίνη (Sakurai et al 1981). Ασκεί την παθογόνο της δράση σχηματί ζοντας πόρους με ολιγομερισμό της κυτταρικής μεμ βράνης.…”