Chronic Staphylococcus aureus Superantigen Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin-1 Exposure Accelerates the Progression of Atherosclerosis in Rabbits.

ABSTRACT:

Background

It has been reported that infectious agents contribute to the atherosclerotic process. However, it is unclear whether Staphylococcus aureus superantigen (SAg) toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) has an effect on atherosclerosis progression. The present study was designed to investigate the pathogenic role of TSST-1 exposure in the atherosclerotic process in rabbits.

Methods

New Zealand White rabbits were exposed to TSST-1 through Alzet miniosmotic pumps with a constant pumping rate. Aortic atherosclerosis was evaluated by histological and morphometric methods. Using a biochemical analyzer/enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay/immunostaining, we further analyzed various atherosclerosis-related factors.

Results

The gross atherosclerotic lesion area in th

SUBMITTER: Zhao H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6933490 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature