EFFECTS OF ESCHERICHIA-COLI AND PORPHYROMONAS-GINGIVALIS LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE ON PREGNANCY OUTCOME IN THE GOLDEN-HAMSTER

This report describes the effects of two gram,negative bacterial endot oxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) preparations on hamster pregnancy outc ome variables. Single intravenous challenges with Escherichia coli and Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS on day 8 of pregnancy produced dose-depe ndent effects on fetal weight malformation and fetal resorption with E . cold LPS having potent embryolethal effects. Premating maternal expo sure to P. gingivalis produced embryolethal effects similar to those o f E. coli. These data suggest that maternal exposure to P. gingivalis LPS prior to and during pregnancy can induce deleterious effects on th e developing fetus.