Abstract
INHIBITION of protein synthesis seems to be the mechanism of action of diphtheria toxin1,2 at least in cell cultures and in cell free systems. Whether this is the mode of action of the toxin in producing selective damage to Schwann cells is not known3. To clarify this relationship we have investigated the incorporation of 14C-glycine into protein of the normal peripheral nerve of the chicken (Silver Link × Rhode Island Red) and the rat (WAG/C strain) during maturation. The rat shows approximately a 1,000-fold greater resistance to the toxin than the chicken, as assessed by intraneural inoculation of toxin4,5, and in both species the delay period before the onset of paralysis is considerably shorter in immature than in adult animals. It was considered that these differences could well be explained by differences in rates of protein synthetic activity in the two species and by the maturation states of the nerves.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Strauss, N., and Hendee, E. D., J. Exp. Med., 109, 145 (1959).
Collier, R. J., and Pappenheimer, jun., A. M., J. Exp. Med., 120, 1019 (1964).
Cavanagh, J. B., and Jacobs, J. M., Brit. J. Exp. Path., 65, 309 (1964).
Jacobs, J. M., Cavanagh, J. B., and Mellick, R. S., Brit. J. Exp. Path., 47, No. 5, 507 (1966).
Jacobs, J. M., Brit. J. Exp. Path. (in the press, 1967).
Vrba, R., Gaitonde, M. K., and Richter, D., J. Neurochem., 9, 465 (1962).
Logan, J. E., Mannell, W. A., and Rossiter, R. J., Biochem. J., 51, 470 (1952).
Vizoso, A. D., and Young, J. Z., J. Anat., 82, 110 (1948).
Vizoso, A. D., J. Anat., 84, 342 (1950).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
MATHESON, D., CAVANAGH, J. Protein Synthesis in Peripheral Nerve and Susceptibility to Diphtheritic Neuropathy. Nature 214, 721–722 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1038/214721a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/214721a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
