Catecholamine-induced stimulation of growth in Vibrio species

Aims: To evaluate the effect of norepinephrine (NE) and related compounds on the growth of bacteria, we have examined the effect of the neuroendocrine hormone NE and related compounds on the growth of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and other human-pathogenic Vibrio species (Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio mimicus). Methods and Results: The effects on bacterial growth were examined using the serum-based medium and viable cells were counted using agar plates. We have shown that NE and its related compounds stimulate growth of V. parahaemolyticus in serum-based medium. This NE-induced growth stimulation was dependent upon the presence of transferrin. NE also stimulated growth of V. mimicus, but not V. cholerae and V. vulnificus. Conclusions: These results suggest that the Vibrio species differ in their ability to respond to NE. Significance and Impact of the Study: It is possible that NE and related compounds modulate the pathogenicity of V. parahaemolyticus and V. mimicus.