On the relationship between inflammation and altered cAMP metabolism in lungs of B pertussis-vaccinated mice.

Bordetella pertussis-vaccinated mice were examined for evidence of inflammation. Using polymorphonuclear leukocyte and fluid accumulation as markers, inflammation was evidenced in the lungs and to a lesser extent in the livers of such mice. Both heart and kidney showed no evidence of inflammation. Development of the inflammatory lesion followed a time course similar to that previously reported for increased sensitivity to histamine-mediated cAMP accumulation. This close parrallelism between inflammation and altered cAMP metabolism supports the hypothesis that the increased cAMP accumulation might be related to a feedback mechanism regulating inflammatory mediator release.