STUDIES ON THE POTENTIATION OF ENDOTOXIN IN MICE BY EXPOSURE TO COLD.

Abstract

Abstract : Mice exposed to 5 C show a drop in body temperature at a time when they are more sensitive than normal mice to bacterial lipopolysaccharide than (LPS). Injection to 5 mg cortisone acetate protects against the lethal effects while 8 units but not 2 units of ACTH enhance lethality. These data suggest that adrenocortical exhaustion due to cold is in part responsible for the altered sensitivity of LPS. In support of this interpretation is the increase in urine volume and urinary nitrogen excreted by mice at 5 C compared with those of 25 C. Endotoxin decreses both. The decrease is counteracted by cortisone administration but not by ACTH.