Is gram-negative shock a free-radical-mediated condition?

Abstract

The involvement of free radicals in endotoxic shock (a severe condition occurring in many Gram-negative septicaemias) has been investigated in a mouse model. Administration of endotoxin produced an increase in the e.s.r.-detectable signals due to ascorbyl radicals. In vivo spin-trapping experiments with the spin trap phenyl t-butyl nitrone resulted in the formation of poorly resolved adduct spectra. The results suggest that free radicals are produced during the endotoxic shock crisis and may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of this condition.