Abstract
In cystic fibrosis colonisation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa leads to clinical deterioration. We measured ciliary beat frequency of normal human cilia by a photometric technique. 8 culture filtrates of clinical isolates of Ps.aeruginosa produced a range of ciliary slowing (3-57%), dyskinesia and stasis. This activity did not correlate with filtrate protease, elastase or haemolytic activity, nor with other enzymes measured by plate methods. Other virulence factors (exotoxin A, lipopolysaccharide, alginic acid) did not slow cilia. However, filtrate pigment content (absorbance 400 nm) correlated (r=0.97) with ciliary slowing. Gel filtration of lyophilised filtrate gave a single peak of activity corresponding to pigment fractions. Pyocyanin pigment was extracted from an active strain with chloroform and crystallised with petroleum ether. 1-hydroxyphenazine was produced by acid precipitation from an alkaline solution of pyocyanin. When purified by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography and characterised by UV spectra and mass spectrometry, both slowed cilia in a dose-dependent manner. 1-hydroxyphenazine caused immediate ciliary slowing, dyskinesia and stasis (50 μM). Pyocyanin caused gradual slowing but finally widespread stasis and epithelial disruption (1 μM). Colonisation by Ps.aeruginosa may be assisted by the paralysing effect of these factors on mucociliary clearance.
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Wilson, R., Pitt, T., Taylor, G. et al. CHARACTERISATION OF FACTORS PRODUCED BY PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA WHICH SLOW AND DISORGANISE BEATING OF HUMAN CILIA IN VITRO. Pediatr Res 19, 1093 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198510000-00145
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198510000-00145