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. 1993;2(7):S11–S16. doi: 10.1155/S0962935193000687

Bacterial endotoxins: biological properties and mechanisms of action

C Galanos 1,✉, M A Freudenberg 1
PMCID: PMC2365449  PMID: 18475562

Abstract

Endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides, LPS) are agents of pathogenicity of Gram-negative bacteria, implicated in the development of Gram-negative shock. Endotoxin reacts with lipopolysaccharide-sensitive cells producing endogenous mediators such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). Macrophages are cells mediating the toxic activities of LPS and TNFα is the primary mediator of the lethal action of endotoxin. This review article discusses the various mechanisms by which endotoxin hypersensitivity in bacteria-sensitized animals develops. The paper concludes with a discussion on the possible protective effect of carnitine congeners against the lethal action of LPS.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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