Ultrastructure and DNA fragmentation analysis of arterioles in swine infected with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli.

Shiga toxins (Stx) produced by E. coli are potent cytotoxins that affect the vascular system. In humans, systemic toxemia causes renal glomerular damage manifested as hemolytic uremic syndrome. In swine, Stx-producing E. coli (STEC) cause edema disease that is characterized microscopically by segmental arteriolar smooth muscle cell (SMC) lesions. Our objectives were to characterize ultrastructurally and by TUNEL the type of death (apoptosis or necrosis) that occurs in SMCs during edema disease. Increased DNA fragmentation consistent with apoptosis was detected by TUNEL in arterioles of challenged pigs 14-15 days post inoculation. Ultrastructurally 3 grades of SMC lesions were distinguished: 1) Partial loss of SMCs, intercellular space filled with granular cellular debris admixed with membrane bound vacuoles; 2) Complete loss of SMCs; only granular cellular debris and clear vacuoles remained within basement membrane; 3) Inflammation of media; SMCs replaced by a rim of cellular debris located in the periphery of vessel wall. The most common lesion detected was grade 1 (9 ilea and 4 brains). We did not find apoptotic nuclear changes in SMCs or apoptotic inclusion bodies within resident cells. Our study indicates, that (1) Stx produced during edema disease does not cause SMC apoptosis 14-15 dpi; (2) SMCs undergo an array of changes from degeneration to necrosis.