TRIAMCINOLONE-INDUCED SYSTEMIC INFECTIONS IN FEMALE MICE

Female mice (6 wk old) were injected for prolonged periods of time with a synthetic glucocorticoid (triamcinolone diacetate). With the progression of the experiment the mortality rate increased significantly. Tissue samples were obtained from the surviving animals after 10, 22, 35 and 45 consecutive daily injections. Cultures were obtained from kidney and liver homogenates and blood samples. Quantitative measurements indicated severe renal and hepatic infections followed by bacteremia. The prevalent organisms in all cultures were enterobacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas and Streptococcus faecalis. Placebo-control animals receiving daily injections of the vehicle revealed a moderate, transient infection. [When used for a prolonged period, corticoids tend to enhance the potential for infections due to their direct catabolic effect on the lymphatic system and their inhibition of leukocytic activity].