Observations on the delay in onset of the acute phase protein response.

The early time course of the acute phase protein response (APPR) and mediators involved in its control were investigated in the rat and mouse. After turpentine-induced inflammation in the rat C-reactive protein and fibrinogen increased in concentration peaking at 48 h and 18-24 h, respectively. A 9 h delay prior to elevation of these protein was observed. After injection of endotoxin into mice, a 4-6 h delay was observed prior to any increase in the concentration of the acute phase protein serum amyloid P-component. This delay was shortened to 2 h after injection of leucocytic endogenous mediators (LEM) produced from rabbit peritoneal exudate cells. It is concluded that the delay between the initiating stimulus and the increases in the acute phase proteins is due to some obligatory intermediate steps which lead to the production of the final mediators of the APPR, and that these mediators are present in LEM.