A role for ELAM-1 in the pathogenesis of MOF during septic shock.

As a model for septic shock, LPS was infused into anesthetized Cynomolgus monkeys. Hematologic and metabolic parameters proved the induced shock response. The data presented show that administration of LPS to Cynomolgus monkeys induced a generalized inflammatory status, which was characterized by systemic release of the cytokines TNF and IL-6. Further it was demonstrated, using immune-histological methods, that a generalized expression in vivo of the endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule (ELAM)-1 was induced on endothelial cells by LPS infusion. ELAM-1 expression was most pronounced on vasculature of lung tissue and skin. As shown in serial skin biopsies, ELAM-1 expression was induced rapidly: at 2 hr after the onset of LPS infusion, reaching maximum after 4 hr. The expression of ELAM-1 is considered to be of relevance for the mechanism which underlies the stasis of PMN in the tissues during septic shock.