[Levels of prostaglandin E1 and F2 alpha in the dynamics of toxic-infectious shock induced by Yersinia pestis].

Murine toxin of Yersinia pestis when injected in the rat tail vein (LD50) caused pronounced alterations in PGE1 and PGF2 alpha content in different tissues (lung, heart, spleen, liver, kidney, small intestine) and blood. Heat-inactivated toxin has been shown to have the same effects as the intact toxin preparation. The changes in PG content are, probably, due to the lipopolysaccharide component of both preparations. The differences in metabolic effects between Yersinia pestis endotoxin and lipopolysaccharides of other Gram-negative bacteria are discussed.