The role of the sympathetic nervous system in the generalized Shwartzman reaction.

Unilateral denervation of the renal pedicle was performed in a series of rabbits. 5 to 21 days later two intravenous injections of E. coli endotoxin were given 18 hours apart. In seven rabbits the generalized Shwartzman reaction developed in the non-denervated kidney. Four of the seven denervated kidneys did not show the reaction, and in the remaining three only a mild reaction was present. From these and previous observations we conclude that an intact sympathetic nervous system as well as endotoxin from the intestine, are necessary for the production of the generalized Shwartzman reaction.