Abstract
We have previously reported avid, mannose-specific binding of E. Coli to immature compared with mature intestinal mucosa in rats and rabbits (Clin. Res. 25:469A, 1977). Therefore, age-dependence and specificity of intestinal adherence of Vibrio cholerae (Vc) in developing rats and rabbits was investigated in mucosal preparations and in isolated enterocytes incubated with radiolabeled Vc and 1% a -methyl mannose (MM), mannan (M), or fucose (F). (Controls = 1% sucrose or dextran). Non-adherent bacteria were separated by ultrafiltration. Adherence of Vc was maximal 6-12 days after birth (adherence = 20%). A 60-fold decline in binding occurred at weaning. Binding of Vc in jejunum and ileum of pre-weanling rats was inhibited 90-100% with M, 60-75% with F, and 55-65% wtih MM. Weaned and adult rats were resistant to inhibition. In contrast, binding of Vc by rabbit fetal, newborn and adult mucosa and enterocytes was equivalent, as efficient as in unweaned rats, and inhibited by M and F (60-80%). Conclusions: Intestinal binding of Vc is dependent upon sugar-specific mechanisms present permanently in rabbits, but disappearing in rats at weaning. These binding patterns correlate with species and age-related differences in susceptibility of rats and rabbits to cholera, and suggest that mucosal adherence may play a role in pathogenicity of Vc.
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Hirschberger, M., Thaler, M. & Mirelman, D. 438 AGE AND SPECIES-RELATED ADHERENCE OF VIBRIO CHOLERAE TO SMALL INTESTINE AND ISOLATED ENTEROCYTES. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 436 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00443
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00443