The Journal of Medical Microbiology, Vol 21, Issue 3 265-270, Copyright © 1986 by Society for General Microbiology
Effect of anti-inflammatory agents on the haemorrhagic response of mouse skin to Bordetella pertussis heat-labile toxin
R. Parton
Bordetella pertussis heat-labile toxin (HLT) was assayed by the
haemorrhagic response produced by subcutaneous injection into weaned mice.
Young mice, 3-5 weeks old of either sex, were highly responsive but they
became resistant to HLT as they matured. Two anti-inflammatory agents,
prednisolone and meclofenamate, inhibited the skin reactions in young mice.
When given intraperitoneally, prednisolone was most inhibitory if it was
injected just before, or at the same time as, HLT challenge. Prednisolone
given 3 h after challenge, when the skin reactions had started to develop,
did not significantly attenuate the final response. Both drugs were even
more effective when mixed with the HLT challenge and injected
subcutaneously. These findings are discussed in relation to the possible
mechanism of action of HLT and to the reported beneficial effects of
corticosteroids in the treatment of whooping cough.
