Experimental Escherichia coli endotoxin-induced sensitisation and abortion in sows

Subcutaneous injection of 235 micrograms endotoxin from E coli 08: K87, K88ab into two sows 14 days before the expected farrowing date elicited a toxic shock reaction but the sows recovered and farrowed normally. No reaction was observed in two other sows which had received endotoxin-free 0.9 per cent saline. In a subsequent pregnancy, the same four sows were injected subcutaneously with 23 mg of the same endotoxin preparation. Those which had previously received endotoxin exhibited a severe shock reaction and aborted after 28 and 40 hours, respectively, while the other two sows showed a milder reaction and farrowed normally.