Interaction of endotoxins, blood elements and the vessel wall

Endotoxins are potent activators of the complement system. Formed activated complement factors, in turn, are capable of inducing metabolite production that may be essential in the killing of parasites. However, the products formed may also induce severe damage and cause great pathological changes that can be fatal for the individual infected. In the present review article the interaction of endotoxin with monocytes, granulocytes and endothelial cells, as well as the central role of complement activation will be discussed. Also a method is provided for the detection of cell activation in Neisseria meningitidis infection.