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Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Establishment of A Mouse Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression Model By Intranasal Instillation of Bacteria
Published on: June 12, 2026
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and low-dose glucocorticoids in the treatment of septic shock
David R Williamson1, Marc Lapointe
1Pharmacy Faculty, University of Montreal, Department of Pharmacy Services, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. david.williamson@umontreal.ca
Abstract:
Severe sepsis is the leading cause of death among patients in intensive care units. Recombinant activated protein C is the only substance known to directly improve morbidity and mortality. Adrenal insufficiency occurs frequently in patients with sepsis and is associated with poor outcome. Although high-dose glucocorticoids have not positively affected clinical outcome, small trials in which low-dose glucocorticoids were administered to patients with septic shock and relative adrenal insufficiency have shown decreased mortality. The main effect of glucocorticoids in low-doses apparently is exerted through correction of suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, the therapeutic benefits of glucocorticoids may be related to their antiinflammatory properties and endogenous catecholamine-enhancing effects.
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