Topics on Bordetella pertussis vaccine

Abstract

1. As reported previously, histopathological changes of adrenal glands in Wistar Rats (male, 100-200g) were observed with the injection of purified histamine-sensitizing-factor (HSF): Zona glomerulosa, the outer layer of zona fasciculata, and their lipid content were constant. Marked cytolysis in zona glomerulosa. Extraordinary depletion of lipids in the inner layer of zona fasciculata. Zig-zag formetion from the beneath the capsule reaching the deeper region of the inner layer of zona fasciculata (Fig. 1 and 2).It is well-known that diphtherial exotoxin induces marked hemorrhages of adrenal gland. In refference to this, histamine-sensitizing-factor (an exotoxin) of Bordetella pertussis might cause any change in the adrenal gland. Under this hypothesis, this experiment was carried out. Consequently, the changes mentioned above (Fig. 1 and 2) were recognized. These changes imply disturbance of secretion of hormones (Cortisol, Aldosteron, Adrenal Androgens). I drew inferences from these facts that these were reported as the results of “stress”. I got a lot of letters from everywhere in the world. Unexpectely, among them, the comment of Prof. M.S. Zakharova at Moscow, USSR, was valuable. She critisized that my findings are not only results of stress, but also they are functional changes of the whole host body. It is of the very importance for establishment of prevention against whooping cough infection. This suggestive comment gave me a hint.No doubt, the changes (Fig. 1 and 2) express only static stage, followed by rapid repairement, accompanying hyperfunction and production of antitoxin. So that, the forced definition “preventive antigen” is completely useless.Recently, Arai & Munoz could crystallize HA (Fimbrial Hemagglutinin), whick lacks completely preventivity. Also, Arai & Munoz could succeed in crystallization of “pertussigen” (Package of HSF, LPF & thermo-labile lethal antigen). The future of pertussigen deserves the keen interest.2. Is IC (INTRACEREBRAL CHALLENGE) of mice the one and only as a test?IC method is spread all over the world like the Bible. Oblivious experiments by Standfast whose work I have learned from Dr. Margeret Pittman of NIH, Md, NSA. Standfast's experiments (1) Usual pertussis vaccine gave good effect on IC mouse protection as well as field trial. (2) Contrary to this, pertussis vaccine heated at 100C for one hour do not any effect on IC mouse protection at all. However, this heated vaccine gave good effect on IN (INTRANASAL CHALLENGE) mouse protection as well as field trial (human being). This undeniable facts are of the very importance, because packkage-pertussigen (a group of exotoxins-thermolabile) was vanished away by heating. Hence, one can obtain the most safe pertussis vaccine without any side effect. It reminded of my heat-stable neurotoxin.I do not know whether it is an exotoxin or not. In spite of unknown character, it shows charactristic whooping cough syndromes. My working hypothesis suggests that “heat-stable antigen” by Standfast might coincident with my “heats-table neurotoxin”.