Pathogenesis of Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract-induced cardiovasculitis

In this experiment, coronary angitis with fibrinoid necrosis, aortitis, end ocarditis of the aortic and pulmonary valves, and pericarditis were induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of the water soluble cell wall extra ct from Lactobacillus casei (LCWE). Inflammatory cell infiltration of prima rily monocytes and neutrophils was found throughout the aortae, the endocar dium. the coronary arteries, and the pericardium. Other organs showed no su ch inflammatory changes. Immunohistochemically. overexpression of VCAM-1, I CAM-1, MCP-1. IL-1 alpha, IL-6, and TNF-alpha of endothelial cells of the a orta, coronary artery, capillaries and endocardium, and pericardium was obs erved after intraperitoneal injection of LCWE. These adhesion molecules and cytokines showed the strongest expression 24 and 48 hr after intraperitone al injection of LOWE. The expression of ICAM-1. MCP-1, IL-1 alpha, IL-6, an d TNF-alpha in endothelial cells end in the pericardium decreased 1 week af ter LOWE injection. VCAM-1 expression of endothelial cells disappeared 1 we ek after the injection. In conclusion, LOWE-induced overexpression of cytok ines and adhesion molecules in endothelial cells of the aorta, coronary art ery, capillaries and endocardium, and pericardium may contribute to cardiov asculitis of the mice.