Direct Effects of Purified Staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin 1 on Myocardial Function of Isolated Rabbit Atria

Abstract
Toxic shock syndrome is associated with reversible cardiomyopathy. The cardiac dysfunction may be mediated by toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-l), an exotoxin generated by Staphylococcus aureus. However, the effects of purified TSST-l on cardiac function are unknown. In a study of the toxin's effect on myocardial function, TSST-I (200 ng/mL) was added to muscle baths containing isolated rabbit atria. TSST-I caused time-dependent inhibition of developed force (systolic function) but did not alter resting force (an index of muscle stiffness or cardiac compliance). These data show that TSST-I can directly inhibit myocardial function, but the significance of this effect in patients with toxic shock syndrome remains to be determined.

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