In vivo effects of aluminum adjuvant on systemic reaction of bacterial
lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in piglets were investigated. Intramuscular
injection of 0.1 mg kg(-1) of LPS added to aluminum hydroxide gel (LPS
+-AL) mitigated the leukopenia, trembling and serum levels of TNF-alph
a and cortisol compared with the injection of LPS suspended in LPS-fre
e saline (LPS+SALINE). The serum endotoxin levels were reduced remarka
bly but relatively long-lasting in the LPS+AL. The lethality in mice i
njected with LPS added to aluminum hydroxide gel was significantly red
uced. Likewise, the Limulus activity of a test LPS was reduced by the
addition of aluminum hydroxide gel or aluminum chloride.