CARDIOVASCULAR REACTIONS INDUCED BY LEUCOCIDIN FROM PSEUDOMONAS-AERUGINOSA

Leucocidin from P. aeruginosa causes cardiovascular failure in rats and mice. The time between i.v. injection and death depends on the dose. After injection of high doses (500 .mu.g/kg) the arterial blood pressure decreases rapidly and cardiac irregularities and AV [atrio-ventricular] block occur within .apprx. 5 min. In contrast to endotoxin shock no pulmonary hypertension was observed, whereas portal hypertension was seen. Injection of lower doses (< 200 .mu.g/kg) caused peripheral vascular damage with lung edema, vascular disturbances in various tissues, exudation and bleeding. Finally cardiac insufficiency predominated. Dexamethasone delayed the symptoms but did not prevent death in rats or mice. Heparin was ineffective in this type of shock.