Immune Stimulation of Interferon-Gamma- and Biopterin Synthesis with Endotoxin in Animal-Experimental Peritonitis

Abstract

As a result to a microhial stimulus different defence systems are activated. Bacterial lipopolysaccharids (endotoxins) can lead to activation of the immune system in which phagocytic cells like macrophages. secrete cytokines and inflammatory mediators. Owing to a hyperactivation of immune mechanisms and also to generalized inflammatory processes organic lesions or even multiple failure of organs can evolve due to influences by cytokines and anaphylatoxines. On a standardized peritonitis model with wistar-pragrats. release of endotoxin. interferon-gamma synthesis and release of hiopterin into plasma has heen measured 6 hours after intraperi to neal administration of E.-coli-haemoglobin suspension. In the initial phase of the immune response interferon-gamma - being endogenously induced by endotoxin - stimulates synthesis of pteridines. Due to antagonistic effects to the cytokines (which stimulate the inflammatory processes) interferon-gamma regulatorily intervenes with the inflammatory mechanisms. The production of biopterin serves as a measure of activation of the monocyte/macrophage system. In comparison to a control group. treated with sodium chloride. statistically significant different have been found in the measuring parameters endotoxin. biopterin and interferon-gamma. The significant correlation of all parameters confirm the quick activation of immune mechanisms as response of the immune system to endotoxinaemia in diffuse purulent peritonitis.

Keywords

• endotoxinaemia
• interferon-gamma
• biopterin
• immune regulation
• peritonitis