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.