<i>Bordetella pertussis</i> as a Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agent

Abstract

Further evidence is presented indicating that the sensitizing effects of Bordetella pertussis may be mediated by blockade of β-adrenergic receptors of the autonomic nervous system. Both the extracted histamine-sensitizing factor (HSF) of B. pertussis and the β-adrenergic blocking agent, propranolol, were found capable of enhancing the sensitivity of mice to experimental immune hemolytic anemia, hypothermic stress, and bacterial endotoxin. Although pertussis-vaccinated guinea pigs exhibited a slightly higher mortality following histamine challenge, no differences were detected in the respiratory responses (pulmonary compliance and resistance) of pertussis-inoculated and control guinea pigs following histamine. These results indicate that the action of B. pertussis is more selective among species than are the β-adrenergic blocking agents such as propranolol.

Investigation of Cutaneous Histamine Sensitivity in Children with Pertussis

“…Our findings in children are similar to those reported for other species, including guinea pigs [2,9,12], rabbits [12] and hamsters [3], none of which display marked hypersensitivity to histamine following B. pertussis injection. The reason why only certain species of experimental animals become markedly sensitive to histamine following B. pertussis might be because these species possess /5-adrenergic receptors which are qualitatively different from those found in refractory species, /'¿-adrenergic blockade is accepted by most workers as the mechanism by which B. pertussis augments sensitivity to histamine [8,9,13].…”

“…After extensive investigation of this phenomenon, most workers feel that the histamine-sensitizing effect of B. pertussis can be de monstrated in only a limited number of animal species [5,9,12].…”

Islet activating protein (IAP) derived from the culture supernatant fluid of Bordetella pertussis: Effect on spontaneous diabetic rats

“…The pertussis-sensitized animals behave as though the beta andrenergic receptors are blocked [2,19,20,21]. An explanation for the in vivo production of beta adrenergic blockage by Bordetella pertussis was provided by Morse [18,22], who stated that a substance in culture supernatant fluids of Bordetella pertussis inhibited the increment of intracellular cyclic AMP in lymphocytes produced by isoprenaline and methacholine.…”

Biological Effects of Poly rI:rC and Endotoxin in Mice Infected with Mycobacterium BCG: Interferon Induction and Toxicity

“…Like endotoxin, poly r1: rC causes hypoglycemia (14), and is pyrogenic (15, 16) and abortifacient (17). In addition, lethal toxicity of each polymer is greatly enhanced by adrenalectomy (14), or prior administration of lead acetate (9) or actinomycin D (18). Protection against both hypoglycemia and lethal toxicity can be achieved by administration of corticosteroids (14).…”