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Updated: Jul 24, 2026
06:45
Colon Ascendens Stent Peritonitis (CASP) - a Standardized Model for Polymicrobial Abdominal Sepsis
Published on: December 18, 2010
Organ specific apoptosis following polymicrobial intraperitoneal infection
G A Franklin1, M Turina, J F Kuhn
1Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Louisville, Ambulatory Care Building, 550 South Jackson Street, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
Summary
Intra-abdominal infection causes organ-specific changes in leukocyte apoptosis. Apoptotic cell numbers increased significantly in the liver and spleen, aiding inflammation resolution.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Leukocyte apoptosis is crucial for removing harmful cells and resolving inflammation.
- Intra-abdominal infection can disrupt normal apoptotic processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the organ-specific distribution of apoptotic cells in response to intra-abdominal infection.
- To determine if apoptotic cell numbers change disproportionately in different parenchymal organs.
Main Methods:
- Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model in mice to induce intra-abdominal infection.
- Quantification of apoptotic cells in the liver, spleen, lung, and peripheral blood.
- Measurement of myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels as an indicator of neutrophil infiltration.
Main Results:
- Liver and spleen MPO levels consistently increased post-CLP.
- Lung MPO levels remained low throughout the study.
- Apoptotic cell percentages in the liver and spleen increased significantly over 9 days, while lung apoptosis remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Apoptotic cell distribution during intra-abdominal infection is organ-specific.
- Increased apoptosis in the liver and spleen suggests a role in clearing inflammatory cells.
- These findings highlight the spleen and liver's importance in resolving localized infection.
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