[Biological models in studying of staphylococci enterotoxin toxicity].

Enterotoxins--superantigens--are the main toxic agents of staphylococci. Currently, an important role of these proteins is estabished in both toxicity itself--toxic shock and in the development of autoimmune diseases. Enterotoxin studies are carried out in several directions including the search for novel molecular targets, studies in cell tests and establishment of toxicity in animal models. Methods of studying toxicity in animal models: monkeys, mice and rabbits are examined in the review. Methods of animal priming to achieve lethality, features of using various lines of mice during analysis of individual enterotoxins are discussed. Methods of studying enterotoxin-neutralizing compounds in animal models are discussed.