Mode of action of a staphylococcal anti-inflammatory factor.

A mucopeptide protein residue, DOCR, is an impedin, isolated from virulent strains of Staphylococcus aureus, which has been shown previously to potentiate staphylococcal infection by inhibiting the early phase of the inflammatory response. Comparison of the effects of DOCR with those of various pharmacological inhibitors on inflammation in vivo and on the guinea-pig ileum in vitro suggests that DOCR prevents the release of kinins by acting somewhere in the Hageman factor-kinin pathway. DOCR did not prevent the more massive fluid exudate which occurred in previously infected animals. It had no effect in vitro on the haemolytic activity of complement or on immune adhesion.