Mini-Osmotic Pump Infusion Model to Investigate the Systemic Effects of Chronic Continuous Exposure to Staphylococcal Superantigen in Mice

Methods Mol Biol. 2016:1396:109-114. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3344-0_9.

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus can exist as a colonizer or can cause a spectrum of diseases. S. aureus elaborates several exotoxins and the superantigens are one among them. Staphylococcal superantigens (SSAg) cause robust activation of the immune system and acute exposure to significant amounts of SSAg can be potentially lethal. However, chronic exposure to SSAg is also possible. Administering SSAg using mini-osmotic pumps may mimic chronic recurrent exposure to SSAg. This is a relatively simple and safe way to administer purified SSAg or any other toxin/agent. In this chapter, we describe the mini-osmotic pump-mediated delivery of SSAg.

Keywords: Mini-osmotic pump; Staphylococcus aureus; Superantigen.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Infusion Pumps, Implantable
  • Mice
  • Staphylococcal Infections / immunology*
  • Staphylococcus / immunology*
  • Superantigens / administration & dosage*
  • Superantigens / immunology*

Substances

  • Superantigens