Sequestration of bacterial lipopolysaccharide by bis(Args) gemini compounds.

Gemini compounds of the type N(alpha),N(omega)-bis(N(alpha)-lauroyl arginine)alpha,omega-alkylenediamides or bis(Args) bind bacterial lipopolysaccharide and neutralize endotoxic activity in in vitro tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nitric oxide release assays. Sequestration of lipopolysaccharide results in protection in a murine model of endotoxemia. However, the bis(Args) compounds are cytotoxic by virtue of being highly membrane-active. The development of less surface-active analogues may yield potentially therapeutically useful compounds for the treatment of Gram-negative sepsis.