The early immune response in the liver of BALB/c mice infected with S. typhimurium

Gram-negative bacteria acquired through gastrointestinal infection can be a serious cause for the development of septic shock especially in immunosuppressed patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the early events of the immune reaction against S. typhimurium. Bacteria were injected into mice at different concentrations. Four animals from each group were killed at five different points of time. Liver cytokine mRNA expression was determined by semiquantitative rt-PCR and liver histology was examined. Serum cytokine levels of interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-4 and IL-10 were determined. intravenous (i.v.) infection with 109 bacteria led to lethal septic shock within 24 h. A delayed production of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-18 and IL-10 and milder histological alterations in the liver were observed in these animals. The highest expression of cytokines in the liver and the strongest histological alterations were seen after infection with 107 bacteria. Here, an increased mRNA expression of all proinflammatory cytokines began 1 h after infection. Animals infected with 1 x 102 bacteria had the highest detectable serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10. These data indicate that the immediate events in the immune reaction within the liver after infection with S. typhimurium are associated with the outcome of the subsequent sepsis.