Cytokine release after administration of endotoxin containing vaccines

Endotoxins from gram negative bacteria are known to be potent inducers for the synthesis and the release of cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor ( TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). The amount of these proinflammatory mediator s in plasma from animals and human patients suffering of an acute infection or sepsis, however, is well correlated with the outcome and the prognosis of such diseases (Hack et at, 1989; Ostermann et al., 1997; Rigato, 1996). In connection with regular testing of vaccine lots we determine the release and the kinetic of TNF and IL-6 in piglets after immunisation with differe nt vaccines containing endotoxin. The current results suggest that the amou nts of both cytokines increased with elevated endotoxin concentration given with the closes. TNF peaked in plasma after one hour IL-6 peaked between t wo and four hours. p.appl.. We did not find any influence of the gender of the animals. In contrast, the body weight seems to affect the cytokine rele ase in different ways. Determination of cytokine changes in plasma is a sen sitive tool for the evaluation of systemic reactions and supports data abou t the clinical and haematological signs.