Abstract
Bacterial superantigens, such as staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), are major virulence factors implicated in the pathogenesis of toxic shock. In this study we investigated the efficacy of glucocorticoid therapy in preventing SEB-induced lethal shock initiated through the respiratory route in mice. Dexamethasone, a potent anti-inflammatory steroid, administrated intranasally on the first day, followed by intraperitoneal doses on the subsequent 4 days, was effective in attenuating SEB-induced hypothermia, and reduction in systemic and pulmonary proinflammatory mediator release. This optimal dosing and schedule of glucocorticoid treatment mitigated lung inflammation and resulted in 100% survival in this intranasal mouse model of SEB-mediated shock.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage*
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Cytokines / blood
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Dexamethasone / administration & dosage*
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Drug Administration Routes
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Enterotoxins / immunology
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Lung / drug effects*
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Lung / immunology
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Lung / metabolism
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Lung / pathology
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Male
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred C3H
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Shock, Septic / drug therapy*
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Shock, Septic / immunology
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Shock, Septic / pathology
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Shock, Septic / physiopathology
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Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy*
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Staphylococcal Infections / immunology
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Staphylococcal Infections / pathology
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Staphylococcal Infections / physiopathology
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Staphylococcus / immunology*
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Time Factors
Substances
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents
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Cytokines
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Enterotoxins
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enterotoxin B, staphylococcal
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Dexamethasone