The effects of Escherichia coli endotoxin on the concentrations of mineral elements in the plasma of the domestic fowl.

The intravenous injection of E coli endotoxin (serogroup 0111 : B4) into eight to nine week old disease-free fowls (0-025-3-0 mg/kg) produced successive falls in the plasma potassium and calcium levels during the 9 h following the injection. This change in the potassium concentration was accompanied by a slight rise in that of sodium, and in some cases a slight rise in that of sodium, and in some cases a slight reduction in the magnesium concentration was detected when that of calcium was reduced. No effect was observed 24 h after the injection. The metal-binding properties of endotoxin, its affinity for membranes and its effect on the secretion of adrenocortical hormones may be involved in the production of these responses. Their pathophysiological significance is also discussed.