Differences in Toxicity of the S- and R-Variants of Shigella Dysenteriae

Abstract

The thermostable somatic substance of the sedimented R-variant of Shigella dysenteriae does not produce in rats a decrease in the level of the liver glycogen and of the adrenal ascorbic acid. Nor does it bring about decidual-placental hemorrhages in pregnant mice and adrenal hemorrhages in guinea pigs. It is also unable to act as a preparing factor for the Shwartzman phenomenon, and its lethal effect in mice follows injection of quantities which are about eight times more than those needed for the corresponding S-variant. On the other hand, it can cause hypothermia and leucopenia when administered in five- to tenfold the quantities compared with the corresponding S-variant.