Gram negative bacteria frequently synthesize a great number of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) molecular species. The high LPS structural heterogeneity and its trend to conform molecular aggregates make the fraction of its molecular species extremely difficult. The application of chromatographic methods individually has allowed the obtainment of little homogeneous LPS fractions. With the combination ...

This clinical study investigated the effects of endodontic treatment by using different irrigants (limewater + NaOCl and polymyxin B + NaOCl) and intracanal medication on endotoxins in teeth with primary endodontic infection and radiographically visible apical periodontitis. Thirty-three teeth with necrotic pulp and periapical lesions from different patients were selected for this study. Sample...

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of auxiliary chemical substances and intracanal medications on Escherichia coli and its endotoxin in root canals. MATERIAL AND METHODS Teeth were contaminated with a suspension of E. coli for 14 days and divided into 3 groups according to the auxiliary chemical substance used: G1) 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); G2) 2% chlorhe...

Horseshoe crabs are an ancient invertebrate which possesses powerful innate immune defense against microbes. The simplicity, specificity and rapidity of its antimicrobial response have accorded the horseshoe crab as an excellent animal model from which immune responsive tissues may be procured for biomedical research. Such usefulness is exemplified by the extensive application for nearly four d...

The zoological collection of the National Museum, Prague (NMP) contains spirit (juvenile) as well as dry (mostly adult) specimens of horseshoe crabs (Xiphosura). Living horseshoe crabs are of immunological importance due to clotting agents present in their hemolymph. Here we summarize basic data about the mechanism of the immune system of these marine animals and its use in practice – the Limul...

BACKGROUND Lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) from the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria is a potent trigger for the release of host-derived inflammatory mediators. The relationship between endotoxaemia, Gram-negative infection and the clinical syndrome of sepsis has been difficult to establish, in part because of the limitations of available endotoxin assays. METHODS We performed an observatio...

Endpoint determinations of endotoxin by the Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay have been facilitated by use of a microdilution procedure.

PURPOSE To understand the pathogenic mechanism of leptospiral uveitis by determining the profile of infiltrating cells, the levels of cytokines, and the causative factor in aqueous humor (AH). METHODS AH and blood samples were collected from 22 patients with leptospiral uveitis that was confirmed by microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Nine patients with Behçet's uveitis, 10 with phacolytic ...

Twenty-eight antibiotics were tested with the Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay to determine their non-inhibitory concentrations (NICs). The Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay was found to be a valid test for most of the antibiotics tested; the NICs were found to be greater than the minimum valid test concentrations. Borderline results were obtained with cefamandole nafate and neomycin sulfate. Poly...

It has been reported that plasma endotoxin, measured by Limulus amoebocyte lysate assays, markedly increased during extracorporeal circulation (ECC). Therefore, this study was undertaken to see if pretreatment with methylprednisolone 30 mg kg-1 modifies the endotoxaemia and associated increases in plasma cytokines in 17 patients undergoing cardiac surgery requiring ECC. We found that methylpred...