Endotoxin decreases 51CrCl3 uptake in early weaned pigs

Endotoxin, a product of bacterial infections, was used to investigate the effects acute infections on chromium (Cr) uptake in early weaned (14 d of age) pigs. At d 18, pigs were anesthetized, and a 2-mm silastic jugular catheter was inserted and passed subcutaneously to a dorsal position behind the ear. At d 21, pigs were deprived of food for 7 h and injected intraperitoneally with saline or 25 microg endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli serotype 0111:B4) per kg body wt suspended in 9 g/L saline. One hour after dosing, an oral dose of 0.7 mCi of 51CrCl3 was given by micropipet. Blood was sampled from the catheter at intervals until necropsy at 8 h after the 51CrCl3 dose. Blood and tissue samples were counted in a gamma counter. 51Cr in blood was significantly lower at 3, 4, 5, 6, and at 8 h after dosing in endotoxin-injected pigs compared to controls. Eight hours after 51CrCl3 dosing, 51Cr retention was significantly lower in the liver, heart, and kidney in endotoxin-treated pigs and tended to be lower in spleen (p<0.06) and in urine (p<0.16) with endotoxin treatment. These data suggest that during acute infection, there might be decreased Cr uptake and retention.