The Induction of Host Tryptophan Oxygenase by Staphylococcal Infection 1

Abstract

Summary

Infection of mice with Staphylococcus aureus leads to increased activity of liver tryptophan oxygenase, probably in an increased corticosteroid response associated with the infection. Nicotinamide was found to be effective in prolonging the survival of infected mice if given between 3 hr prior to and 1 hr after infection. None of the other tryptophan metabolites were effective against the challenge with staphylococci. Nicotinamide, as well as other chemicals which prolong the survival of infected mice can induce tryptophan oxygenase in the presence or absence of infection, but the studies reported here would seem to indicate that the mechanisms of protection do not involve changes in the activity of the enzyme.