The contribution of gut-derived endotoxins to liver injury.

The liver serves as the key organ for the removal and detoxification of bacterial endotoxins that are continously absorbed in small amounts from the gastrointestinal tract. This paper postulates that liver injury impairs this detoxification process leading to further liver damage and systemic effects as well. Evidence is reviewed to support the contention that endotoxin may be a major common pathway for liver injury by a variety of agents, and methods of reducing endotoxicity of gut origin are proposed. Finally, a new solid phase radioimmunometric assay for E. coli 026 is described and its usefulness as a gut marker suggested.