Alterations in host defense associated with anesthesia and blood transfusions. II. Effect on response to endotoxin.

The effect of blood transfusions and anesthesia on host response to endotoxin was evaluated in multiple Lewis rat models. The rats were randomized to receive A'Sogaloff Cancer Institute rat blood, pentobarbital sodium, or lactated Ringer's solution and, at either 2 or 7 days following administration of these agents, were challenged with intravenous endotoxin. Neither blood transfusions nor anesthesia altered mortality when administered 2 days before endotoxin challenge. However, blood transfusions administered 7 days before endotoxin challenge were found to prolong survival, to prevent endotoxin-induced alterations in T-lymphocyte subsets, and to decrease plasma tumor necrosis factor levels. In conclusion, blood transfusions appear to depress immune function in a beneficial manner in endotoxin shock.