Effects of Pasteurella haemolytica leukotoxin on neutrophils from white-tailed deer and several exotic ruminant species.

Pasteurella haemolytica leukotoxin is a pore-forming cytolysin which acts as a virulence factor in pasteurellosis of domestic ruminants. Leukocytes from cattle, sheep and goats are susceptible to leukotoxin-induced lysis; however, leukocytes from non-ruminant species so far tested are resistant to leukotoxin-induced lysis. Neutrophils obtained from three white-tailed deer, four Saiga antelope, an Addra gazelle, a Grant's gazelle and a Sable antelope were tested for susceptibility to the lytic effects of P. haemolytica leukotoxin using lactate dehydrogenase release. Results were compared to those obtained using neutrophils from a steer and cultured bovine lymphoma cells. Neutrophils obtained from all these ruminants, except the Addra gazelle, were susceptible to P. haemolytica leukotoxin. Individual variation among the Saiga and the deer did not appear to be due to the percentages of neutrophils or the percentage of contaminating erythrocytes in the cell preparations.