Bacterial Endotoxins: Biological Properties and Mechanisms of Action

Overview

Journal Mediators Inflamm

Publisher Wiley

Specialties Biochemistry
Pathology

Date 1993 Jan 1

PMID 18475562

Citations 8

Authors

C Galanos

M A Freudenberg

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides, LPS) are agents of pathogenicity of Gram-negative bacteria, implicated in the development of Gram-negative shock. Endotoxin reacts with lipopolysaccharide-sensitive cells producing endogenous mediators such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha). Macrophages are cells mediating the toxic activities of LPS and TNFalpha is the primary mediator of the lethal action of endotoxin. This review article discusses the various mechanisms by which endotoxin hypersensitivity in bacteria-sensitized animals develops. The paper concludes with a discussion on the possible protective effect of carnitine congeners against the lethal action of LPS.

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