Contribution of tumor necrosis factor alpha to endotoxin-induced mucosal dysfunction in the feline jejunum
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Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) occupies a pivotal role in the development of shock and tissue injury during endotoxemia and septicemia, and may be an important trigger in the pathogenesis of endotoxin-induced intestinal mucosal dysfunction. This study investigated the contribution of TNF to endotoxin-induced mucosal dysfunction and the efficacy of polyclonal anti-TNF antibody in preventing endotoxin-induced mucosal dysfunction. To evaluate mucosal dysfunction, jejunal blood-to-lumen clearances of chromium 51-labeled ethylenediaminetetraacetate ([51Cr]-EDTA) were measured in cats administered fetal calf serum (controls), endotoxin, TNF, or polyclonal anti-TNF antibody and endotoxin. Serum TNF activity was determined using a modified in vitro cytotoxicity bioassay using the murine fibrosarcoma cell line, WEHI-164 clone 13. Endotoxin and TNF induced jejunal mucosal dysfunction as indicated by increases in [51Cr]-EDTA clearance. Mucosal dysfunction was accompanied by marked increases in serum TNF activity. Furthermore, pretreatment with polyclonal anti-TNF antibody prevented endotoxin-induced mucosal dysfunction and markedly reduced the associated increase in serum TNF activity. The findings of this study suggest that TNF is an important mediator of endotoxin-induced mucosal epithelial barrier dysfunction. Pearson Professional Ltd 1996.