bovis in the bronchoscopic model
of infection. The primary aim was to determine if a modified scoring Fosbretabulin cost system, initially employed in the cynomolgus macaque model of tuberculosis, could be utilized to quantitatively depict and standardize the gross differences that exist on necropsy in two types of experimental rabbit populations [13]. Such a numerical means of Selleck LGX818 description, which has never been performed in the rabbit model of tuberculosis, would allow for a rapid and reliable means of enhancing the description of TB disease pathogenesis. The quantitative intrapulmonary and extrapulmonary differences attributed to sensitization were validated against traditionally employed modalities of CFU counts and descriptive observations. Results Varying lung pathology based on sensitization status Sensitized rabbits were injected at regular intervals using heat-killed M. bovis with all converting their tuberculin skin tests positive 25 days after the selleckchem last sensitization injection (Table 1). Positive reactions were concluded if any measurable reaction was observed. Non-sensitized animals did not undergo skin testing prior to infection due to the lack of exposure to the sensitizing agent. Sensitized rabbits were observed for an average of 72 days (range = 50-98 days). The shortest time period of observation was in Rabbit Bo(S)4 and the longest elapsed time was in sensitized rabbit
Bo(S)5. Non-sensitized rabbits were observed for an average of 55 days (range = 37-79). Table 1 Bacillary infections and Methocarbamol tuberculin skin test data in rabbit populations. Sensitization Status Skin testing (mm3) Days of Infection Prior to Necropsy Instilled Dose (CFU) Sensitized rabbits AF1 (M. bovis AF2122) 1013 mm3 85 18,0000 AF2 (M. bovis AF2122) 748 mm3 90 18,0000 AF3 (M. bovis AF2122) 1507 mm3 50 18,0000 AF4 (M. bovis AF2122) 1761 mm3 58 18,0000 Bo(S)1 (M. bovis Ravenel) 1291 mm3 98 18,0000 Bo(S)2 (M. bovis Ravenel) 1482 mm3 57 18,0000 Bo(S)3 (M. bovis Ravenel) 1495 mm3 61 18,0000 Bo(S)4 (M. bovis Ravenel) 1245 mm3 64 18,0000 Bo(S)5 (M. bovis Ravenel) 1404 mm3 83 18,0000 Non-sensitized rabbits AF5 (M.
bovis AF2122) n/a 61 18,000 B1 (M. bovis Ravenel) n/a 54 8000 B2 (M. bovis Ravenel) n/a 55 8000 Bo1 (M. bovis Ravenel) n/a 65 10000 Bo2 (M. bovis Ravenel) n/a 63 10000 Bo3 (M. bovis Ravenel) n/a 61 15000 Bo4 (M. bovis Ravenel) n/a 62 10000 Two strains of M. bovis were utilized with similar pathologic endpoints observed in both non-sensitized and sensitized rabbits. Select sensitized rabbits were followed up to 100 days post-infection. Non-sensitized rabbits were observed up to 60 days after bronchoscopic infection. Intradermal skin testing was performed prior to infection on sensitized rabbits 25 days after the last sensitization injection to confirm successful acquisition of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) immunity.