Abstract
Summary
Endotoxin was introduced into a Thiry-Vella fistula (T-V-f) prepared in lead-sensitized rats. Of the 5 mg given to each rat an amount is absorbed into both the portal vein and intestinal lymphatics sufficient to kill a number of lead-sensitized rats. Most of the endotoxin escapes into the intestinal lymphatics, causing systemic manifestation and death because it is able to bypass the clearing and detoxifying functions of the liver.
The manner in which endotoxin is absorbed is presently not known. Presumably absorption occurs by passive diffusion, a process that is considerably enhanced as a result of the effects of osmotic shock. In fact, this condition causes additional transmural leakage of endotoxin, but even then the amount that escapes is so small that it is unlikely to be of any real significance.
The authors express their thanks to Dr. Paul Ebert and the Cornell Medical College for financial support and to Dr. David Becker for the provision of isotopes and the use of his counting equipment.
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