Alterations in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism following administration of endotoxin.

Endotoxin-induced alterations in blood flow, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in various organs of the body are outlined. Peripheral utilization of carbohydrates and lipids does not appear to be adversely affected by the administration of mild to moderate doses of endotoxin (in fact, glucose turnover is even elevated). On the other hand, the supply of free fatty acids from adipose tissue is diminished, at least in part, due to severe hemodynamic changes that occur in this tissue following endotoxin. Hepatic gluconeogenesis is elevated, but does not match the increased demand for glucose by the periphery. The experimental conditions discussed in this brief review elicit changes that are reversible. However, during more severe endotoxemia, the metabolic alterations lead to irreversibility.