A biphasic serum glucose response in mice to inoculation with pertussis vaccine.

The effect of B. pertussis vaccine on the serum glucose level of mice was investigated. The results show that at least two components in the vaccine interfere with glucose metabolism. A heat-stable component which is assumed to be LPS induced hypoglycemia 3-5.5 h after inoculation, especially in LPS-sensitized mice. A heat-labile component which is possibly equivalent with the LPF/HSF/IAP complex, is responsible for persistence of the hypoglycaemia for at least 6 days. If hypoglycaemia contributes to the neurological side effects after pertussis vaccination both components have to be considered as being responsible for these effects.