Tumor necrosis factor (cachectin) in the biology of septic shock syndrome.

The high mortality of septic shock syndrome has prompted extensive investigation into its pathogenesis. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a cytokine that is often over-produced during Gram-negative or Gram-positive infection, occupies a critical role in triggering this catastrophic illness. The net effects of TNF are dependent upon its concentration in certain vital tissues, and may be dissociated from the presence of the invading pathogens. Agents that inhibit TNF have been developed; these protect against shock and tissue injury and are currently being investigated in clinical trials of septic shock syndrome.