Catecholamine and cyclic nucleotide response of sheep to the injection of Clostridium welchii type D epsilon toxin.

Injection of Clostridium welchii (C. perfringens) type D epsilon toxin into sheep caused large increases in catecholamine and cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate levels and moderate increases in cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate levels. Haemoconcentration also occurred. It is suggested that a rapidly developing brain oedema is the stimulus for a release of catecholamines which in turn activates adenyl cyclase. The resulting rise in cAMP causes glycogenolysis and hyperglycaemia.