URINARY TNF-BINDING PROTEIN (TNF SOLUBLE RECEPTOR) PROTECTS MICE AGAINST THE LETHAL EFFECT OF TNF AND ENDOTOXIC-SHOCK

We tested the effect of urinary TNF-binding protein (uTBP) on the toxi c effect of TNF (0.5 mug/mouse, i.v.) in adrenalectomized mice sensiti zed with IL-1 to increase susceptibility to TNF. In this experimental model, mortality was 67%, but decreased to 13% when uTBP (250 mug/mous e, i.v.) was administered simultaneously with TNF. The protective effe ct of uTBP was dose-dependent, and time course experiments indicated a protective effect when uTBP was administered before or up to one hour after TNF. Some protection was also obtained when uTBP was given thre e hours after TNF.Urinary TBP improved the survival of mice after a le thal dose of LPS (1.2 mg/mouse, i.p.), suggesting its possible efficac y in the therapy of septic shock or other TNF-mediated pathologies.