Abstract:
Objective:The present study was performed to investigate the treatment effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) monoclonal antibody and nitric oxide inhibitor on endotoxemia in splenectomized mice.
Methods:Mice were subjected to splenectomy followed by endotoxin challenge.
Results:When 5 mg/kg endotoxin (E.coli O
111 B
4 LPS) was given intravenously, we found that the mortality rate of splenectomized mice was significantly higher than that of non-splenectomized mice (
P<0.01). When the former group received anti-TNF monoclonal antibody (3 mg/kg), the mortality rate was significantly decreased. Similarly, in splenectomized mice received 2 mg/kg L-NMMA (an nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), the mortality rate was also decreased (
P<0.05). However, in mice received 5 mg/kg L-NMMA, the mortality rate was dramatically increased.
Conclusion:It is suggested that treatment with anti-TNF antibody and suitable dose of NO synthase inhibitor may play an important role in preventing overwhelming postsplenectomy infection.