THE DISTRIBUTION OF CR51 LABELED E. COLI ENDOTOXIN IN THE GENERALIZED SHWARTZMAN REACTION 1

Abstract

Attempts were made to characterize the prepared state in the generalized Shwartzman reaction by determining the fate of intravenously injected Cr51 labeled radioactive endotoxin in rabbits 24 hours after a preparing injection of unlabeled endotoxin. Compared with normal rabbits, the prepared rabbit exhibited a markedly altered pattern of distribution of radioactivity. Hepatic uptake was reduced nearly 50% and pulmonary uptake was increased. No increase in renal localization was observed except in those rabbits developing bilateral renal cortical necrosis. In animals not developing necrosis, no direct relationship was found between the renal or hepatic uptake of endotoxin and the microscopic fibrinoid lesions of the generalized Shwartzman reaction.