The Selective Toxicity of Endotoxin for Phagocytic Cells of the Reticuloendothelial System

Abstract

Explants of different organs of the normal rabbit were grown in semisolid and liquid mediums. The additon of Escherichia coli endotoxin to cultures resulted in a moderate increase in the rate of degeneration of granulocytes whereas the damage to monocytes and macrophages was severe. This toxicity for macrophages was evidenced by a decrease in numbers and extent of migration, by a marked impairment of their phagocytic activity, and by characteristic morphologic changes. In contrast to this lymphocytes, fibroblast-like cells and epithelium were unaffected even by high concentrations of endotoxin. The pattern of cellular damage was different from that observed in delayed allergic reactions in vitro.