Effect of Bacterial Endotoxins on Carbohydrate Metabolism of Rabbits.

Abstract

Unanesthetized rabbits, fasted for 24 hrs., were injd. intraven. with sterile endotoxins of meningococcus or Salmonella aertrycke in doses which were lethal in 2-3 hours. Blood sugar rose at 30 min. and then fell. Blood lactic acid and inorganic P rose steadily. Liver and muscle glycogen decreased while lactic acid content of these tissues increased. Pyruvic acid content of blood and tissue showed a significant decrease. Succinic dehydrogenase in muscle and liver was markedly inhibited. Cytochrome oxidase activity was not affected.