The stimulatory effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on human macrophages was
found to be neutralized by the detergent octylglucoside (OG). Both macroph
age stimulation and reactivity in a limulus amebocyte lysate test were supp
ressed by suspension of LPS in OG at concentrations between 0.25 and 2.5 mM
, whereas other stimulatory lipopeptides and lipid containing stimulants we
re unaffected by OG. LPS at concentrations causing maximal stimulation of m
acrophages could be completely neutralized by non-toxic concentrations of O
G. In addition, it was found that the neutralization in complex mixtures of
macromolecules, such as bacterial cell lysate, was specific for LPS and th
at the stimulatory activity of the other substances in the mixture was not
affected by the OG.