Acute infection of mice with highly virulent group B streptococci as a host resistance model for immunotoxicity assessment

Abstract

This report describes a unique model for immunotoxicity evaluation in mice. The model is adapted from previously described mouse models for group B streptococcus (GBS) infections in human neonates. In this disease as well as a number of human diseases caused by highly virulent pathogens, the mechanisms of innate immunity are unable to protect the host, and survival is strictly dependent on acquired immunity. Unlike other host resistance models widely used in immunotoxicity studies, the GBS model utilizes bacteria that are highly virulent for mice (LD50 = 5-17 colony forming units). GBS is not virulent for adult humans and can be safely handled with typical precautions. Acquired immunity in the GBS model is induced during a 2 week period by two injections of heat-killed GBS. The immunizing doses are the minimum which will allow survival of 80-100% of mice in response to challenge with an otherwise lethal dose of live GBS (100 bacteria). Administration of the immunotoxic agents cyclophosphamide, carrageenan, or cobra venom factor during the immunization period and/or shortly before challenge significantly suppressed host resistance. For example, the composite mortality rate for unimmunized mice was 98% and the rate for immunized mice was 8.5%. For all groups treated with cyclophosphamide (one 75 mg/kg dose 48 h before each immunization) the mean mortality was 41 +/- 18%. The consistency of the model was evaluated by repetition of several treatments in independent experiments, and the model's consistency is comparable to that of other host resistance models.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Quantifying the Relationship Between Multiple Immunological Parameters and Host Resistance: Probing the Limits of Reductionism

“…One of the most important aspects of resistance to this organism is the ability to produce opsonizing and complement-fixing Abs (23,(53)(54)(55). DEX at dosages of 0.1 mg/kg/day and greater significantly suppresses the IgG Ab response to a model T-dependent Ag (SRBC).…”

“…This time frame was selected because it was consistent with the 16-day dosing protocol used in most other experiments in this study and because a preliminary experiment indicated that the peak IgG response to SRBC occurs on day 16 (22). Host resistance assays; resistance to streptococcus group B. B6C3F 1 mice have little innate resistance to these bacteria (the LD 50 is ϳ5 bacteria/ mouse), but resistance increases substantially if the mice are immunized with heat-killed streptococcus group B bacteria (23). Resistance in this model is mediated by Abs, complement, and phagocytic cells (23).…”

“…Host resistance assays; resistance to streptococcus group B. B6C3F 1 mice have little innate resistance to these bacteria (the LD 50 is ϳ5 bacteria/ mouse), but resistance increases substantially if the mice are immunized with heat-killed streptococcus group B bacteria (23). Resistance in this model is mediated by Abs, complement, and phagocytic cells (23). The methodology for this experiment has been described previously (23).…”

“…Resistance in this model is mediated by Abs, complement, and phagocytic cells (23). The methodology for this experiment has been described previously (23). Briefly, mice were immunized with heat-killed streptococcus group B (1 or 2 ϫ 10 6 /mouse) on days 2 and 9 of the 16 daily doses of DEX or CyA.…”