FIGURE 10.
Sepsis induces a loss in the DTH response that is prevented by rhIL-7. Mice underwent sham or CLP surgery, and selected groups were treated with 2.5 μg of rhIL-7 90 min postsurgery and every 48 h for two additional doses. Four days postsurgery, mice were sensitized with trinitrophenyl (TNP). Four days after sensitization, mice had rechallenge with trinitrophenyl (footpad injection). The degree of footpad swelling was quantitated versus PBS injection (PBS internal control). rhIL-7 increased DTH in sham mice as expected. rhIL-7–treated septic mice sustained their DTH response, whereas untreated septic mice were incapable of mounting a response. Each filled circle represents one mouse (n = 5 mice per group). The horizontal line represents the mean value for each group. CLP versus CLP + rhIL-7 was statistically significant; p < 0.05. Results of one study but representative of three additional studies.