Haematologic effect and Shwartzman reactivity of radiodetoxified endotoxin

Comparative experiments were made in rabbits with Escherichia coli O89 endotoxin and endotoxin detoxified by ionizing radiation (60Co-gamma, 5 Mrad). Radiation significantly weakened the leukopenia and thrombocytopenia provoking effect of endotoxin. Radiodetoxified endotoxin decreased the fibrinogen level only slightly and caused insignificant changes in reptilase time. The complement level was decreased less by the detoxified than by the parent endotoxin. Even the local Shwartzman phenomenon inducing capacity of radiodetoxified endotoxin decreased significantly, particularly when it was used for preparation and provocation, too.