Extensive hepatic cell necrosis produced by the Shwartzman mechanism

Abstract

Acute, severe, and extensive necrosis of the liver was produced in pregnant and non-pregnant female adult rabbits by the Shwartzman mechanism. Shwartzman reagent (E. coli endotoxin) was administered in various combinations by three routes of injection, the portal vein (mesenteric vein), the bile duct, and the ear vein. Morphologic changes of the extrahepatic organs were minimal. The similarity to massive necrosis in human liver and the effect of pregnancy on hepatic necrosis in rabbit and man were discussed. The lesion is presented as a new animal model for acute massive hepatic necrosis and is proposed as a third category of Shwartzman reaction, designated the univisceral type.