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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Lipopolysaccharide Infusion as a Porcine Endotoxemic Shock Model
Published on: December 8, 2023
Efficacy of an extracorporeal endotoxin adsorber system during hyperdynamic porcine endotoxemia
1Sektion Anasthesiologische Pathophysiologie und Verfahrensentwicklung, Universitatsklinikum, Parkstrasse 11, Ulm, Germany. hendrik.bracht@uniklinik-ulm.de
Background:
Endotoxemia is a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Elimination of endotoxin is aimed at the reduction of sepsis-related morbidity and lethality. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of an endotoxin adsorber on hemodynamics, O(2) exchange and metabolism during resuscitated porcine endotoxemia.
Methods:
Twenty pigs were randomized into 2 intervention groups (n = 7 each) and 1 control group (n = 6). Endotoxemia was induced by continuous intravenous application of lipopolysaccharide for 8 h. Adsorber therapy was started at the same time as the induction of endotoxemia or 2 h later. An extracorporeal hemoperfusion device using immobilized human serum albumin for endotoxin adsorption was used.
Results:
Hemodynamic, metabolic and acid-base parameters, as well as the kinetics of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, were characteristic for endotoxic shock. Endotoxin plasma levels were low (arterial, hepatic and portal vein). None of the parameters were significantly influenced by the adsorber system.
Conclusion:
Despite typical clinical signs of endotoxemia, the adsorber system had no significant effect on hemodynamic, metabolic and acid-base parameters during endotoxic shock. The reasons for the absence of an effect are elusive; however, failure of the method per se or exceeded capacity of the adsorber cannot be excluded.
