The Fate of Killed, Radioiodinated Brucella Abortus Injected Into Mice

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Abstract
Summary: Radioiodinated Brucella abortus injected into the peritoneal cavity of the mouse are partly phagocytosed in the cavity and partly transported to the blood stream, from which they are removed mainly by the liver and spleen. The final distribution of the bacteria appears to be determined by the extent of the phagocytosis taking place in the peritoneal cavity. A significant proportion of the engulfed brucellae are carried to the mesenteric lymph glands. Therefore, any factor enhancing phagocytosis, such as the presence of a peritoneal exudate, the stimulation of RES or the injection of Brucella antiserum, will increase the radioactivity in the mesenteric glands. The radioactivity in the spleen and liver will be consequently reduced. Factors decreasing phagocytosis in the cavity (such as levan) have an opposite effect. Several hundred antibody molecules per bacterium are sufficient to sensitize the brucellae to increased phagocytosis in the peritoneal cavity. The labeled brucellae can be used as a sensitive indicator of inflammatory activity in the abdominal cavity of the mouse.

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