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Published on: April 11, 2012
Altered chemokine response in an animal model of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome induced by zymosan
Neal J Thomas1, Todd M Umstead, David S Phelps
1Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Penn State Children's Hospital, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA. nthomas@psu.edu
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to determine the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) response over time in an animal model of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).
Methods:
On day 0, rats were randomized to receive an intraperitoneal injection of zymosan at a dose of 1 mg/g of body weight (n = 36) or vehicle (n = 9). Serum, peritoneal lavage (PL) fluid, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were collected from 3 rats in the control group and 6 to 7 rats in the zymosan group at days 1, 5, and 12. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results:
The authors observed a 47% mortality in the zymosan-treated rats. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels were unchanged in the serum, PL, and BAL of control animals. Both serum and PL MCP-1 were significantly higher in zymosan-treated rats on days 1 (P < .01) and 5 (P < .05) when compared with controls. By day 12, no difference between the 2 groups was observed. No significant difference was noted in BAL MCP-1.
Conclusions:
Chemokines are increased systemically and locally during MODS. The fact that MCP-1 is significantly higher early in the course of MODS may suggest that this chemokine is important in the early inflammatory changes that lead to MODS later in the course of this illness.
Insights
Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is elevated early in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in rats, suggesting its role in initial inflammatory responses. Levels returned to normal by day 12.
Area of Science:
- Inflammation research
- Pathophysiology of MODS
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is a critical condition with high mortality.
- Understanding the early inflammatory markers in MODS is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal profile of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in an animal model of MODS.
- To assess the systemic and local concentrations of MCP-1 during the progression of MODS.
Main Methods:
- Rats were induced with zymosan to model MODS or received a vehicle control.
- Serum, peritoneal lavage (PL), and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were collected at days 1, 5, and 12.
- MCP-1 concentrations were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Main Results:
- Zymosan treatment resulted in 47% mortality.
- Serum and PL MCP-1 levels were significantly elevated in zymosan-treated rats on days 1 and 5 compared to controls.
- No significant differences in MCP-1 were observed in BAL fluid or at day 12 between groups.
Conclusions:
- MCP-1 shows a significant early systemic and local increase during MODS.
- The early elevation of MCP-1 suggests its involvement in the initial inflammatory cascade of MODS.
- Further research into MCP-1's role may offer therapeutic targets for MODS.

