Nitrite/nitrate oxide (NOx) and cytokine levels in patients with septic shock

To investigate the involvement of nitrite/nitrate oxide (NOx) in septic shock, and to evaluate the relationships between NOx and cytokines in patients with this disorder, we evaluated 11 patients with septic shock and 12 patients with sepsis unassociated with shock. NOx were measured with an automated system based on the Griess reaction. The plasma concentrations of various cytokines were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Endotoxin was determined by a specific assay after the plasma samples were processed by a perchloric acid method. The mean plasma levels of NOx in the group with shock significantly exceeded those in the group without shock. Significant correlations were observed between the plasma levels of NOx and those of endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin 8 in both groups. NOx appeared to be involved in the development of septic shock in humans. Endotoxin and cytokines appeared to be involved in the production of NOx.