Hemodynamic effects of group A Streptococcus mucopeptide.

Abstract

Streptococcal cell wall mucopep–tide administered intravenously to experimental animals provoked marked circulatory changes. A fall of arterial blood pressure and a decrease of cardiac output were observed. These changes are similar to those reported after the administration of bacterial lipopoly–saccharide. Some evidence suggests that both a direct effect of mucopeptide on sensitive structures and a release of pharmacologically active substances may play a role in the hemodynamic disturbances. On the other hand, the central nervous system probably plays no important role in the circulatory effect of the mucopeptide.