Bordetella pertussis as a Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agent

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
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.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: