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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Colon Ascendens Stent Peritonitis (CASP) - a Standardized Model for Polymicrobial Abdominal Sepsis
Published on: December 19, 2010
Intra-abdominal sepsis alters tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta binding to human neutrophils
Objective:
To determine the effects of intraabdominal sepsis on polymorphonuclear leukocyte tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) receptor expression.
Design:
Prospective, randomized comparison between patients undergoing elective colon surgery vs. patients with intra-abdominal sepsis.
Setting:
Tertiary-care center with all patients with intra-abdominal sepsis in a surgical ICU environment.
Patients:
Group 1 (n = 7) represents control patients who underwent elective colon surgery without intra-abdominal sepsis. Group 2 (n = 10) represents patients with intra-abdominal sepsis.
Measurements And Main Results:
Polymorphonuclear leukocyte TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta receptor expression +/- stimulation of the oxidative burst was measured using 125I TNF-alpha and 125I IL-1 beta. Superoxide anion production and candicidal activity were measured in the presence of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta. Group 2 patients expressed fewer TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta receptors on their cell surface, and stimulation of oxidative burst reduced TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta receptor expression in group 2 more than in group 1. Diminished TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta binding reduced superoxide anion production by group 2 polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Decreased TNF-alpha binding but not IL-1 beta, reduced polymorphonuclear leukocyte candicidal activity by group 2 polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
Conclusions:
a) Intra-abdominal sepsis reduces polymorphonuclear leukocyte TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta receptor expression. b) Expression of these surface receptors is altered by stimulation of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte oxidative burst. c) Diminished TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta receptor expression is associated with functional impairments in polymorphonuclear leukocyte activity.
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