CELLULAR BASIS OF HOST DEFENSE IN PYELONEPHRITIS .2. ACUTE INFECTION

  • 1 April 1986
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 67  (2) , 191-200
Abstract
We have investigated the cellular basis of host defence mechanisms in experimental pyelonephritis. Cellular components of the host defense system were depleted using cyclophosphamide, methylprednisolone or radiation. Depletion of cellular competence did not affect the course of infection during the first 16 h after challenge with Escherichia coli, but after 96 h up to a 1000-fold increase in bacterial numbers in the kidneys of cytodepleted animals was demonstrable. When quantitative aspects of the relationship between cellular competence and host defense were studied, it was found that severe depletion of cellular components was necessary before host defence mechanisms were adversely affected. Thus while cellular mechanisms are quantitatively adequate and contribute to host defense in pyelonephritis they have little impact on the immediate post-infection phase. Non-cellular factors however, do limit bacterial proliferation in the acute phase and may be important determinants in the biology of pyelonephritis.