MEDIATOR SYSTEMS AND SEPSIS

Sepsis is the systemic response of the body to an infection. Sepsis-li ke conditions with nearly identical body reactions, however, are also seen without any evidence of bacteremia. Sepsis is a disease of the ho st response (specific and non-specific immune system). Depending on th e time of the disease process, different mediators (released or newly formed) are involved. This review summarizes the current knowledge and interactions of different cells, cascade systems and mediators in the pathogenesis of sepsis and gives an overview of the approaches and re sults of current ''anti-mediator strategies'' to control or modulate i nadequate mediator responses.