Inactivation of Biologically Active ("Endotoxic") Polysaccharides by Fresh Human Serum

Abstract

The host responses elicited by endotoxic materials of bacterial, plant or mammalian derivation (e.g., tumor damage, dermal hemmorhage and necrosis by epinephrine, local Shwartzman reaction, and fatal shock) were annulled following incubation of endotoxin with fresh human serum but not with heated serum. This action of human serum was independent of antibody, of complement, and of properdin.