Biological Effects of Bacterial Endotoxins in Man

Abstract

The studies reviewed in the present manuscript outline some of the biologic effects of endotoxins in man. The human being is the most sensitive animal to bacterial endotoxins. The sensitivity of the various parameters measured revealed that granulocytosis induced by endotoxin is the most sensitive (i.e., requires the smallest dose), fever the next most sensitive, an increase in plasma cortisol the third most sensitive, and the induction of a reproducible growth hormone response the least sensitive. Although many of our studies are descriptive, it is hoped that they will lead to better understanding of some of the pathophysiologic events that accompany gram-negative bacterial infections in man. Finally, when appropriately used, bacterial endotoxins can be useful tools in the diagnosis and management of certain hematologic and endocrinologic disorders of man.