Effect of lymphocytosis-promoting factor from Bordetella pertussis on cerebellar cyclic GMP levels.

Dermonecrotic toxin (DNT), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and lymphocytosis-promoting factor (LPF) were isolated from Bordetella pertussis and tested for neuroactivity. When injected intraperitoneally into rats, a dose of 0.13 mg of LPF per kg elevated the cyclic GMP level in cerebellum by approximately 70%, whereas DNT (0.5 mg/kg) and LPS (1.5 mg/kg) were without effect. This action of LPF on the central nervous system was dose dependent and did not require the administration of any additional agent, such as histamine.