Embryotoxic properties of Shigella dysenteriae and Clostridium perfringens toxins, of E. coli endotoxin, V. cholerase and E. coli enterotoxins were compared in mice. E. coli endotoxin has embryotoxic effects at all stages of pregnancy. E. coli enterotoxin V. cholerae enterotoxin and Shigella dysenteriae toxin are most effective mainly at earlier stages of pregnancy. Clostridium perfringens toxin has no embryotoxic effect.
PIP: Pregnancy interrupting effects of some bacterial toxins were studied in mice. Embryotoxic properties of Shigella dysenteriae and Clostridium perfringens toxins, Escherichia coli endotoxin, Vibrio cholerae, and Escherichia coli interotoxins were compared up to Day 18 of pregnancy following injections on Day 6, 8, or 13 of pregnancy. Escherichia coli endotoxin caused embryotoxic effects in all stages of pregnancy while Escherichia coli enterotoxin, Vibrio cholerae enterotoxin, and Shigella dysenteriae toxin were most effective mainly at earlier stages of pregnancy. Histological studies revealed indirect embryotoxicity at later stages by placental damage. The main site of damage was the fetal side for Shigella dysenteriae toxin and the maternal side for Escherichia coli endotoxin, enterotoxin, and cholera toxin. Clostridium perfringens toxin had no embryonic effect.