Essential role for estrogen in protection against Vibrio vulnificus-induced endotoxic shock

Little is known about the underlying mechanisms that result in a sexually d imorphic response to Vibrio vulnificus endotoxic shock. V. vulnificus is a gram-negative bacterium, considered one of the most invasive and rapidly fa tal human pathogens known. However, 85% of individuals that develop endotox ic shock from V. vulnificus are males. Using the rat, we have developed a m odel for V. vulnificus endotoxic shock that mimics the sexually dimorphic r esponse in humans. Gonadectomy in females results in increased mortality, a nd estrogen replacement results in decreased mortality in both gonadectomiz ed males and females. These results demonstrate that estrogen is providing protection against V. vulnificus lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxic shock .