Radiodetoxified Lipopolysaccharide Fails to Activate the Hypophyseal- Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in the Rat

Publisher： Karger

E-ISSN： 1423-0216|8|3|128-131

ISSN： 1021-7401

Source： Neuroimmunomodulation, Vol.8, Iss.3, 2000-12, pp. : 128-131

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Abstract

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is known to raise the concentration of the circulating stress hormones such as ACTH, corticosterone and β-endorphin. This effect of endotoxin is mediated by different immune system-released hormone-like factors (e.g. interleukins, tumor necrosis factor etc.). Gamma-ray irradiation of LPS alters its biological properties and results in a radiodetoxified LPS preparation with numerous beneficial effects and decreased toxicity. In this study we compared the neuroendocrine effects of a commercial LPS and our native and radiodetoxified LPS preparations in rats. Plasma ACTH, corticosterone and β-endorphin levels were measured by specific radioimmunoassays 120 min after intraperitoneal LPS administration. Control animals were injected with saline. Results show a dramatic increase in all hormones after administration of commercial and our native LPS preparation. Hormone levels in saline-injected controls and radiodetoxified LPS-treated rats did not rise significantly. These results suggest that radio-detoxification disintegrated that part of the LPS molecule complex which is responsible for toxicity including an enhanced production of cytokines, which trigger the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis.