Pertussis toxin other lung cells produce a variety of chemokines. PT has been found to inhibit the early transcription of keratinocyte-derived chemokine, macrophage inflammatory protein 2 and LPS-induced CXC chemokine. Eventually, PT causes lymphocytosis, one of the systemic manifestations of whooping cough. PT, a decisive virulence determinant of "B. pertussis", is able to cross the blood–brain barrier by increasing its permeability. As a result, PT can cause severe neurological complications; however, recently it has been found that the medicinal usage of "Pertussis" toxin can promote the development of regulatory T cells and prevent central nervous system autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis.
Riggs' disease Riggs' disease Riggs' disease, also known as pyorrhea of a toothsocket or gingivitis expulsiva, is a historical term for periodontitis (gum disease), The condition was described as a purulent inflammation of the dental periosteum. It was named after American dentist John Mankey Riggs (1811–1885). Riggs' disease was said to produce the progressive necrosis of the alveoli and looseness of the teeth. The teeth may become very loose and fall out of the sockets. Mark Twain wrote briefly about Riggs' disease in his short essay, "Happy Memories of the Dental Chair", in which he claims to have been examined by Dr.