The Effect of Polyclonal Anti-TNFα Antibody on TNFα Gene Expression, Lethality and Glucoregulation in Suckling Rats with Endotoxic Shock † 1377

Abstract

Gram negative septic shock (shock) is a major medical problem in the newborn because of its high mortality and morbibidity. TNFα is a key mediator in shock. Anti-TNFα antibodies (Abs) have been shown to have beneficial effects in shock induced by endotoxin (LPS) but not in shock induced by abdominal sepsis. Plasma endotoxin concentration increases within a short period after intraperitoneal (ip) LPS injection and declines rapidly. TNFα increases in a time-dependent manner after LPS injection. As TNFα induces TNFα gene expression, we hypothesize that Abs decrease not only plasma TNFα levels, but also TNFα gene expression, resulting in a decrease in mortality in endotoxic shock. In the present study, TNFα mRNA abundance in the liver was measured. Plasma glucose and lactate concentrations were determined.