ABSTRACT
Endotoxin from Gram-negative bacteria induce shock symptoms in humans and animals, a state characterized by fever, hypotension, intravascular coagulation, and finally multi-organ failure. The liver is one of the main target organs of endotoxin attack. Detoxification of endotoxin is considered to be mediated mainly by the reticuloendothelial system, particularly Kupffer cells, in the liver. Glucocorticoids have been used in the treatment of endotoxin shock. Induction of nitric oxide synthase in macrophages is strongly inhibited by glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone and hydrocortisone. Septic shock may be associated with a toxic state initiated by stimulation of monocytes by a bacterial toxin, such as endotoxin, which is released into the bloodstream. The administration of Sho-saiko-to clearly prevented the membrane protein damage arising from endotoxin challenge. Sho-saiko-to may, therefore, prove to be important for shock induced by Gram-negative bacteria.
