Effects of staphylococcal alpha-toxin on the ultrastructure of the rat hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system

• Published in: Acta neurobiologiae experimentalis Vol. 54; no. 3; pp. 219 - 225
• Main Authors: Gajkowska, B, Gadamski, R, Frontczak-Baniewicz, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Poland 1994
• Subjects: Animals; Blood-Brain Barrier - drug effects; Female; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System - drug effects; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System - ultrastructure; Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus - drug effects; Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus - ultrastructure; Pituitary Gland, Posterior - drug effects; Pituitary Gland, Posterior - ultrastructure; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Staphylococcal Protein A - toxicity; Supraoptic Nucleus - drug effects; Supraoptic Nucleus - ultrastructure; Staphylococcus aureus
• ISSN: 0065-1400; 1689-0035
• DOI: 10.55782/ane-1994-1017

The influence of staphylococcal alpha-toxin on the ultrastructure of hypothalamo-neurohypophysical system in the brain (nucleus supraopticus, nucleus paraventricularis, neurohypophysis) was studied in the rat. In neurohypophysis, an area lacking blood-brain barrier, alpha-toxin damaged both neuronal endings and capillary vessels. On the other hand in hypothalamus, where blood-brain barrier is present structural alterations were much less pronounced. Reactive gliosis, accordant with cell damage, was observed in the entire neurosecretory system. Putative mechanisms leading to brain damage after systemic administration of alpha-toxin, including direct disruption of cell membrane and induction of nitric oxide synthesis, are discussed.