BACTERIAL-ENDOTOXINS - BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISMS OF ACTION

ENDOTOXINS (lipopolysaccharides, LPS) are agents of pathogenicity of G ram-negative bacteria, implicated in the development of Gram-negative shock. Endotoxin reacts with lipopolysaccharide-sensitive cells produc ing endogenous mediators such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alp ha). Macrophages are cells mediating;the toxic activities of LPS and T NF alpha is the primary mediator of the lethal action of endotoxin. Th is review article discusses the various mechanisms by which endotoxin hypersensitivity in bacteria-sensitized animals develops. The paper co ncludes with a discussion on the possible protective effect of carniti ne congeners against the lethal action of LPS.