Molecular and cellular basis of microvascular perfusion deficits induced by Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium septicum.

ABSTRACT: Reduced tissue perfusion leading to tissue ischemia is a central component of the pathogenesis of myonecrosis caused by Clostridium perfringens. The C. perfringens alpha-toxin has been shown capable of inducing these changes, but its potential synergy with perfringolysin O (theta-toxin) is less well understood. Similarly, Clostridium septicum is a highly virulent causative agent of spontaneous gas gangrene, but its effect on the microcirculation has not been examined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use intravital microscopy to examine the effects of C. perfringens and C. septicum on the functional microcirculation, coupled with the use of isogenic toxin mutants to elucidate the role of particular toxins in the resultant microvascular perfusion deficits. This study represents the f

SUBMITTER: Hickey MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2275794 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature