MECHANISM OF ACTION OF THE TOXIN OF BACILLUS ANTHRACIS I. Effect in Vivo

Abstract

A study has been made of some changes which occur after the intravenous injection of the toxin into rabbits and other animals. Moderate to marked increases in serum aldolase, phosphoglucose isomerase, glutamic-oxaloacetic acid transaminase, amylase and cholesterol occurred with 71 hrs. Anti-serum diminished these changes when injected with the toxin. No unusual variations were noted in serum glycoprotein. Glucose and alkaline phosphatase increased markedly and rapidly soon after the injection of toxin into rabbits. In contrast to the hyperglycemia which required both components of toxin (protective antigen and filter factor) and which was prevented by antiserum, hyperphosphatasemia was produced by the injection of protective antigen alone, or in combination with filter factor, and was not inhibited by antiserum. Hyperphosphatasemia did not occur when only filter factor was injected. That the hyperglycemia produced by toxin is mediated by the action of epinephrine, was indicated by the fact that ergotamine inhibited the rise in blood glucose. Bilateral nephrectomy did not prevent the hyperphosphatasemia produced by the injection of the protective antigen component of the toxin.