[Influence for cultured renal cell growth ability by toxins of Escherichia coli].

ABSTRACT

There have been many reports indicating that Escherichia coli from pyelonephritis may exhibit several specific phenotypes. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of various toxins from Escherichia coli on cultured renal cell growth. alpha-hemolysin suppressed growth of Mardin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells in a dose-dependent manner. A low dose of O-antigen suppressed MDCK cell growth, while a high dose of the antigen increased the cell growth slightly. K1-antigen had no effect on MDCK cell growth. Mesangial cell growth was not affected by alpha-hemolysin. A significant increase in mesangial cell growth was recognized by the O- or K1-antigen. From these results it can be speculated that alpha-hemolysin from Escherichia coli may play a leading role, and O- or K-antigen may play a supporting role in the pathogenesis of pyelonephritis.