[The significance of corticosteroid insufficiency in the mechanisms of toxicosis in experimental listeriosis].

The infection of mice with Listeria led, in case of the development of an acute generalized form of the disease, to the sharp decrease of the content of ascorbic acid and to the nearly complete delipidization of the glomerular zone of the adrenal cortex, which was indicative of the development of relative adrenal insufficiency. The most pronounced histomorphological and histochemical changes occurred simultaneously with the maximum accumulation of Listeria in the adrenal glands. The administration of hydrocortisone at the period of the development of acute infection produced a temporary decrease in the manifestations of toxicosis. The maximum protective effect was achieved by combined glucocorticoid and antibiotic therapy.