BACTERIAL-ENDOTOXINS - SEPTIC SHOCK SYNDR OME INDUCED BY OVERPRODUCTION OF IL1 AND TNF

Septic shock represents the most serious complication during systemic infection with gramnegative bacteria. Recent findings indicate that en dotoxin-induced over-production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL1 a nd TNF plays a central role in the pathogenesis of the septic shock sy ndrome. Neutralizing anti-TNF antibodies as well as blocking of IL1 ac tivity by using a naturally occurring IL1 receptor antagonist (IL1-RA) can prevent most of the pathological symptoms. Accordingly, antagonis m of IL1 and/or TNF may provide the possibility of specific therapeuti c intervention(s).