Endotoxin Tolerance Induced by Detoxified Endotoxin (Endotoxoid)

Abstract

Nonspeclflc tolerance towards the lethal action of endotoxins from different gram-negative bacteria can be induced within 24 hr. by a single injection of Serratla marcescens, endotoxoid. This endotoxin tolerance is not based on circulating antibodies. By means of the gel diffusion method, the passive hemagglutinatlon technique, and the complement fixation technique, it could be demonstrated that sera of tolerant guinea pigs do not contain antibodies against endotoxins or against the tolerance-inducing endotoxoid.